Darrell Ray McManus, 47, the Softball and Baseball Coach, passed away on Thursday, January 8, 2026.
Born June 27, 1978, Darrell lived simply and fully. Family came first. He worked with his hands, raised his kids, coached ball and took anyone who needed help under his wing.
He learned plumbing on the job, later partnered with Jammy Roberts building houses, and most recently worked as a maintenance technician at MUSC–Lancaster.
People who worked with him remember a man who showed up, fixed what needed fixing, and didn’t make a show of it.
Baseball followed him everywhere. A standout pitcher at Buford High School, Darrell helped the team win state titles in 1994 and 1996.
He kept playing in open league softball, and he coached wherever he could.
Friends and Former Students have special memories of Darrell
His message to players was blunt and honest: don’t brag, work hard, and let your play do the talking. That approach earned him respect from teammates and players alike.
“Some of my best memories of DMac are on a softball field,” said Linsday Johnson.
“When I was up to bat, I’d look at D and tell him he better be on third because I was running and he better be ready to tell me what to do, because I wasn’t watching, I was just running. He’d laugh and nod every time.”
Johnson still remembers the day she saw him throw someone out from deep center field. “An absolute rope. He was one of the best in the game I ever knew,” she said.
Friends and classmates reacted quickly after the news. Evans Darrell wrote, “The Buford area lost a great guy today. Please pray for the McManus family.”
Amanda McAteer Hartley recalled casual workdays, hunting trips, and games at the café where Darrell stopped in.
She offered comfort to the family and urged them to lean on faith and community in the days ahead.
Ronnie McAtter wrote, “McManus family, we are so sorry to hear about Darrell. I first met Darrell in high school and over the years we had the opportunity to get to know his family through softball games with his girls. He was such a wonderful person.Spring praying God will give you strength and comfort in the days to come. We love you all. God Bless”
April Allen added, “Praying for you all in this time of need. Spring the girls and I always thought of you all as family on the ball field and off. We’re so sorry to hear of Darrell’s passing. We love y’all and sending prayers your way. Love April, Harlie and Karlie Allen”
Others left short notes online calling him a fierce player and an even better person. Crystal Jewett wrote, “Thoughts and prayers for the McManus family.”
April Carne added, “My classmate! He was one of a kind on and off the field! ‘kitty loves you’ you all making me shed tears.”
Outside of sports, Darrell loved the outdoors and history. He spent his free time fishing, deer hunting, and collecting stories from documentaries.
He often credited Ms. Smith at Buford High School for sparking his interest in history. Home life reflected his love of animals and the land.
Over the years, the family home became a small menagerie: goats, cows, chickens, horses, a mule, pigs, dogs, cats, bunnies and even hermit crabs. He wanted his children to grow up with animals and with responsibility.
Those who knew him remember a man who blended toughness with kindness. He taught his kids to work, to be loyal, and to stay humble.
He respected the military and the idea of service. He expected people to do the right thing and he tried to lead by example.
The family will hold a Celebration of Life service at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 10, 2026, at The Chapel of Burgess Funeral Home.
The service will be officiated by his brother-in-law, James West. Friends and family will be received following the service at the funeral home.
If you would like to honor Darrell’s memory, memorial contributions may be made to United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS).
Darrell Ray McManus leaves behind his wife Spring, four daughters, his father Ray Von McManus, and many people who counted on him.
In the stands at a softball game, on a hunting trail, or fixing something that needed fixing, Darrell made small, steady marks on the lives around him. That plain, steady presence is what people say they will miss most.
