LTC Harry Bates Darby, Jr., US Army (Ret.), 65, of Columbia, South Carolina, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, December 6, 2025. Bates was born on May 1, 1960, in Columbia, SC, to Harry Bates Darby Sr., of Eastover, SC, and Susan Davis Darby, of Columbia, SC. Bates was preceded in death by his father, his mother, and his sister, Fran Darby Clary.

Beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Bates lived a life defined by devotion—to his family, to his country, and to the people he loved. Bates and Angela Griffin Darby were married for 40 years. Their love story began when they were 19 and 17 at Solomon Blatt Center through lifelong friends, and their marriage was an inspiration to others. More than husband and wife, they were best friends and the loves of each other's lives. After marrying on June 29, 1985, they built a life full of love and adventure.

Bates will be deeply missed by his beloved Angela; his three children, Kristen Darby, Morgan Darby (Kevin Hendges), Griffin Darby (Meghan) and his grandson, Paden. His memory will endure in the tales of 'Grump Grump' that will be shared with his grandchildren as they grow. He will also be missed dearly by his siblings (Susan, Bippa, Anne, Teddy, and James), extended family members, friends, and his four-legged companion, Buster.

As a true family man, you would never know the extent of Bates' military service. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after serving nearly 21 years in the United States Army, following his commissioning in 1983. An initial tanker, then career aviator, he served in a variety of impactful positions across Fort Stewart, Georgia; Fort Rucker, Alabama; Ansbach, Germany; Fort Clayton, Panama; Fort Story and Fort Monroe, Virginia; and Fort Jackson, South Carolina. After retiring from the Army, he continued his federal service as the Secretary of the General Staff for SOUTHCOM in Miami, Florida; Fort Gordon, Georgia; and Fort Jackson, South Carolina. His numerous accolades - including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, and Army Air Medal - and the impact of his distinguished service are carried forward in the stories and memories of those who had the honor of working with and for him. As an Army aviator, he traveled the world with courage and humility, bringing steadiness, humor, and a lightness to every room he entered.

A lifelong South Carolina Gamecocks and Pittsburgh Steelers fan, Bates brought that same enthusiasm to the thing he loved most; being on the water. He cherished going to the Bates Cottage in Murrell's Inlet, boating on Lake Murray, and traveling the world's beaches with his family.

Bates will be remembered for his steady presence, his loyalty, and the unwavering support he showed to those he loved. He was a father figure to many, and his influence extended to countless lives.

Family will receive friends on Sunday, December 14, 2025, from 4-6 o'clock at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia, SC. A service to honor his life will be held on Monday, December 15, 2025, at 10 o'clock at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 3600 Devine Street, Columbia, SC. A military service and burial will be held on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at 12 o'clock at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road, Columbia, SC.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Ronald McDonald House Charities, www.ronaldmcdonaldhouse.org or CAMP KEMO programs, www.campkemo.org .

Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.