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Archie Dargan Obituary

MYRTLE BEACH - Archie Shaw Dargan, Jr., 86, died July 30, 2011, at his home in Myrtle Beach. A native of Darlington County, SC, he was the son of the late Archie S. Dargan, Sr. and Edith Austin Dargan. He was a 1949 graduate of Clemson University with a B. S. Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He founded Dargan Construction Company of Myrtle Beach in 1953, and the company remains in business today as a successful building contractor. His hobbies were Clemson football games, golf and aviation and he was an instrument-rated pilot. He was preceded in death by his wife, Caroline Douglas Sligh Dargan, his parents, one grandson, and daughter-in-law, Joyce Chestnut Dargan.

Mr. Dargan was an investor and a member of the Boards of Directors of Myrtle Beach National Company; Coastal Crane Service; Caravelle Resort; Longwood Golf Corporation (Blackmour); Alabama Theatre; Construction Equipment Rental Company; Ice House Group; and Hillsborough Land Group, LLC' He served on many Boards of Directors in the past, some of those being C&S National Bank (now Bank of America); General Telephone Company (now Frontier); Carolinas Branch, The Associates General Contractors of America; Horry County Development Board; Greater Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce; Chairman, Board of Trustees Ocean View Memorial Hospital Foundation; Trustee, SC Foundation of Independent Colleges; Board of Visitors, Coastal Carolina College School of Business; Board of Trustees and Board of Visitors, Coker College; Board of Visitors, Columbia College, President, Carolinas Golf Association; President, Rotary Club of Myrtle Beach; President, United Way of Horry County; Vice President, Pee Dee Area Council of Boy Scouts of America; Horry County District Chairman, and Horry County District Finance Chairman.

He was very involved in civic organizations that helped the community and the world. Because of his service, he received the Silver Beaver Award, Boy Scouts of America, Pee Dee Area Council; Citizen of the Year for Myrtle Beach, SC; Rotarian of the Year for Myrtle Beach Rotary Club; Service to Mankind Award, Myrtle Beach Sertoma Club; Community Award of Merit, Coastal Carolina College, USC.

Mr. Dargan graduated St. John's High School, Darlington, SC, and was a student at Clemson University in 1943 when he left school to join the military. Mr. Dargan's military service was outstanding. He served in the Army Air Corps, 1943-1945. After pilot training in the States, he was sent overseas in 1944 to fight in World War II and was assigned to the European Theatre of Operation as a fighter pilot, flying a P-51 Mustang. He flew 37 missions and shot down four enemy fighters. He earned the rank of First Lieutenant and returned home in 1945. In 1946, he returned to complete his college education at Clemson University. After working five years in the engineering department of a large textile firm, he decided to move to Myrtle Beach and founded Dargan Construction Company in 1953. The company is still operating strong in Myrtle Beach.

He held professional licenses as follows: General Contractor License "Building-Unlimited" SC Licensing Board for Contractors; General Contractor License "Building-Unlimited" NC Licensing Board for Contractors; Professional Engineer - SC State Board of Engineers Examiners.

His company built many of the hotels and condominiums in Myrtle Beach, and also the entertainment theatres, such as Carolina Opry, Dixie Stampede, Ronnie Milsap Theatre, Gatlin Brothers Theatre, and others/ were built by his company. Numerous buildings at Horry-Georgetown Technical College, Coastal Carolina University, Francis Marion College, Voorhees College, Newberry College and many elementary and high school buildings were built. Many hospitals, too, were built by the company; some of them being Orangeburg Hospital, Georgetown Hospital, Self Memorial Hospital, Palmetto State Hospital in Columbia, New Haven Nursing Home, Myrtle Beach Manor Nursing Home, and many others.

Mr. Dargan was a man of faith and was a member of The First Presbyterian Church of Myrtle Beach, where he served as an Elder. He also served on various committees, including the current building committee for the new church sanctuary.

Mr. Dargan is survived by five children: Archie Shaw Dargan, III (Linda); Waldeck Sligh Dargan; Caroline Douglas MacKorell (John, Sr.); Louisa Sligh Dargan Harris (Trey); Melissa Dorsey Dargan Hufhan (Brian). He is survived by 13 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild. He is also survived by one brother, George Dargan of Darlington.

He always believed that a person should give back to the community. He did this far and above what was expected. His generosity supported colleges, universities, and churches. He will be remembered as a kind man to all and above all, a Southern Gentleman.

Visitation for Mr. Dargan will be held on Sunday, July 31, 2011, at his home in the Dunes Cove Section of Myrtle Beach, SC, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Mr. Dargan's funeral will be held on Monday, August 1, 2011, at 2:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Myrtle Beach, SC, directed by Goldfinch Funeral Home of Conway, SC. Burial will follow in Grove Hill Cemetery, Darlington, SC, at approximately 5:00 p.m., directed by Belk Funeral Home of Darlington, SC.

For anyone desiring to send a memorial, please send it to Grand Strand Humane Society, or the YMCA of Myrtle Beach, or the First Presbyterian Church of Myrtle Beach, SC.

An online guestbook my be signed at www.goldfinchfuneral.com Goldfinch Funeral Home, Conway Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The State on Jul. 31, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Archie Dargan

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August 26, 2011

Shaw (Linda), Deck, Douglas, Louisa, and Melissa, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time. Your family has always been so special to me, and I know your daddy will be missed by all. My deepest sympathy and love, Robbie Dargan Gray

David Norman

August 3, 2011

I knew Mr. Dargan in his association with the Carolinas Golf Association. He brought the same class and professionalism to his volunteer efforts that he did to his work and entire life. His trademark smile and kind disposition, reflecting true Southern hospitality, are an indelible memory. He was loved by all, and will be greatly missed.

Rachael Smith

August 2, 2011

On behalf of the Hollings Cancer Center and the Medical University of South Carolina, we extend our deepest sympathies to the family. We were honored to be the beneficiary of his generosity and his legacy to many charities will continue. Rachael D. Smith, Development Director

Randy Allen

August 2, 2011

I had the great pleasure of working with Dargan Construction in the 70s. I had numerous talks with Mr Dargan during my years with his company. He was one of the kindest, generous and honest people I have ever had the pleasure of working for. He alwasy made you feel important, you were not just an employee, you were family. I once asked him during a meeting, the construction market was down at the time, if he ever slept. He said he would when he knew his family (employees) were alright and he had enough work that they did not have to worry. I know he is in a better place and the entire family is in my prayers. We will all miss this great man. May God Bless his family.

Angela Nicholas

August 1, 2011

I was very sorry to hear of Mr. Dargan's passing. He contributed a great deal to the Myrtle Beach area and will be greatly missed.

Leisa Merrick

August 1, 2011

I was saddened to hear of Mr. Dargans passing. I had the pleasure of working for Dargan Construction back in the late 90's. Mr. Dargan was a true gentleman. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of the Dargan Family. I will keep you in my prayers.

August 1, 2011

Our deepest sympathy to the Dargan family in the loss of Mr. Archie. He was one of the kindest people we ever had the pleasure of knowing. He will be sorely missed by the community of which he was such an integral part.
Rodney and Lynette Nobles, Conway, SC

Perry and Allyson Jeffcoat

August 1, 2011

We are so sorry about the death of Mr. Dargan. We thank him for his service to our country, fighting to rid our world of tyranny, cruelty, and injustice. We owe so much to "The Greatest Generation". We hope and pray that the family will find strength and comfort in your faith and your memories.

Randy Banks

August 1, 2011

I believe God sends people like Archie Dargan to be an inspiration to all who meet him. He was a stand-up man whom anyone is proud to be associate with in any capacity. Myrtle Beach is a better place to call home because of his actions. I am a better person for having worked for and taken his advice along the way.
Now Mr. Archie's tasks are over and God has prepared a heavenly home for him. May all of you find peace and comfort in God's Promise. Love ya'll

Des Brown

August 1, 2011

Shaw,Deck,Douglas,Louisa,and Melissa. I am so sorry for your loss.My thoughts and prayers are with you all.May the Holy spirit comfort you all.

Bobby Steele

August 1, 2011

Myrtle Beach is a better place to have had Archie Dargan as a citizen. His impact on this community can be seen all of the beach. I am sure he will have the same impact in heaven. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of his family.

August 1, 2011

Shaw and the entire Dargan family:

I had the pleasure of meeting Archie more than 10 years ago. His wise demeanor was immediately apparent, and it clearly explained the many years of success of Dargan Construction. He was rightly proud of his company, and I am honored to have known such a fine man.

Dunn D. Hollingsworth
Robertson & Hollingsworth
Charleston, South Carolina

Wilbur Gibbs

July 31, 2011

To the Dargan family, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of bereavement. Mr. Dargan gave me the opportunity to start my subcontracting business (BMW Rebar) twelve years ago. He was truly a man of God who gave of his best to help others. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Jacky McDaniel

July 31, 2011

Shaw, Deck, Douglas, Louisa, and Melissa,
I'm know you'll miss your father- he was
a great man and he gave so much to the
community as well as to those he knew.
It was always a joy to see him and your mom while she was still alive.
But I know that he has joined her in heaven and that both of them are basking in the great love of God in whom they had such a strong belief. You and yours will be in my prayers.
Jacky Swarat McDaniel

Candy Gandy Horner

July 31, 2011

Shaw, Deck, Douglas, Louisa, and Melissa,
I was saddened to hear of your daddy's passing. He was a great man and I will keep all of you in my prayers as you go through this difficult time.
Love,

Susan and Jim Mayer

July 31, 2011

To Louisa and all her brothers and sisters, and the rest of the family:
What comfort there is in picturing Uncle Archie, Uncle Sonny, and Daddy laughing and celebrating their reunion! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all,

July 31, 2011

Deck and Family,
So sorry to hear about your Dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Thomas and Joanne Clardy Gaines

July 31, 2011

Archie Dargan was a true example of what the Bible teaches of being a servant to mankind. He was one of my heroes and it was a a pleasure and of great admiration to have been associated with him. Archie is a great loss but he left his mark for the betterment of the community and state. He helped everyone he could, including me.

Jim Call

James Hubbard

July 31, 2011

Liz and I offer our deepest condolences for the passing of Mr. Dargan. Mr. Dargan built a legacy of hard work and strong family values to be admired, and I know he will be missed by many.

Russell Gasque

July 31, 2011

Prayers and condolences to the Dargan family. I met Mr. Dargan only a few times late in his life. He came across as a god and intelligent man.

Russell Gasque

July 31, 2011

Prayers and condolences to the Dargan family. I met Mr. Dargan a few times late in his life. He always came across as a good and intelligent man.

Harold Ward

July 31, 2011

I never had the privilege of knowing Mr. Dargan personally. However, I wanted to send condolences to his family. Mr. Dargan led a wonderful life of achievement and service, an exemplary life. I know you all are proud of the legacy he leaves.

Eddie & Donna Doxey

July 31, 2011

Deck and Family, We are truly sorry to hear of Mr. Dargans passing. Yes, he is and forever will be a Southern Gentleman. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Take comfort in knowing he is at peace now. His memories will stay with you and keep you going.
He will definitely be missed by many locals of Myrtle Beach. Love to you all.

Kathy Urban

July 31, 2011

Condolences to all the Dargans. Shaw, it was a pleasure working for your dad! He was a fantastic man and will be missed greatly by all.

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