Darrell Ray McManus

1978 - 2026

LANCASTER, S.C. - Mr. Darrell Ray McManus, age 47, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026.
He was born on June 27, 1978, the son of Ray Von McManus and the late Doris Elizabeth Wallace McManus, and was the beloved husband of Spring Burgess McManus.
Darrell will be remembered as a devoted family man, a hardworking professional, and an athlete whose love for the game never faded. Above all else, Darrell's greatest joy was his family ¬– his wife, his girls, and their extended families – who were the center of his life and the heart of everything he did.
For many years, Darrell worked in home building and plumbing, a trade he took great pride in. He began learning plumbing while working for Jerry Lee, later partnering with Jammy Roberts to build houses together. His skills and dedication eventually led him to his role as a Maintenance Technician at MUSC–Lancaster, where he combined all of those talents daily and was known for his reliability, work ethic, and willingness to help anyone in need.
Darrell had a deep love for learning, especially history. He enjoyed documentaries and often credited Ms. Smith at Buford High School – his favorite teacher – for fueling that passion. History was her subject, and Darrell was proudly one of her favorite students.
Baseball was one of the great passions of Darrell's life. A standout pitcher at Buford High School, he played a key role in winning the 1994 and 1996 State Championships. His competitive spirit stayed with him well beyond high school as he continued playing open league softball for many years. He also loved coaching, especially baseball and softball, passing along lessons he lived by: it doesn't matter what you look like, it matters how you play, and keep your mouth shut and let your actions do the talking.
Darrell loved the outdoors, spending his time fishing, deer hunting, and enjoying nature. He was happiest outside and often encouraged others to join him. He also had a lifelong love for animals and wanted his children to experience that same joy. Over the years, their home was filled with goats, cows, chickens, horses, a mule, pigs, birds, hamsters, dogs, cats, bunnies, hermit crabs, and fish – each one a reflection of his big heart.
A proud and deeply patriotic man, Darrell loved America and held great respect for the sacrifices made by the nation's soldiers. His values of hard work, loyalty, humility, and love for family will live on through those who knew him best.
Darrell's legacy is one of devotion – to his family, his work, his country, and the passions that shaped his life. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Darrell is survived by his wife, Spring McManus; his four daughters, Haley Grace Smith (Jacob), Kelsey Rae Black (Jesse), Ally Kathryn Sweatt (Tanner), and Riley Nicole McManus; his grandchildren, Tate Andrew Black, Marshall Bayne Smith, and twin boys on the way; his father, Ray Von McManus; his three siblings, Paula Taylor (Micky), Monica Anderson (Kevin), and Melissa Laney; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Larry and Phyllis Burgess; two brothers-in-law, James West (Darnele), and Michael West; sister-in-law, Kyndra Stroud (Myron); and many special nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Doris McManus; and his infant sister, Amy Elizabeth McManus.
The Celebration of Life Service for Darrell will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, at The Chapel of Burgess Funeral Home, officiated by his brother-in-law, James West.
The family will receive friends following the service at Burgess Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to United Network for Organ Sharing, ATTN: UNOS Philanthropy, 700 N 4th St., Richmond, VA 23219.
An online guest register is available for condolences on the obituaries page at www.burgessfunerals.com.
Burgess Funeral Home and Crematory of Lancaster is caring for the family of Mr. Darrell R. McManus.