John Durrell Obituary

I am sad to hear about Dean Durrell's death. He was a refined and scholarly gentleman who genuinely enjoyed teaching literature and assisting his students and colleagues, while encouraging only the best outcomes. I am especially thankful for his assistance with the Department of Academic Affairs where I volunteered while I was a student at the University of South Carolina, Coastal Carolina Campus. God rest his soul .

I was encouraged as his student at Coastal. He believed I could tutor others--once saying "Clifford, you are articulate." He further supported me IN FRONT of others. (He trumpeted that he had [enjoyed] my piano playing at a Coastal Carolina Spring Arts Festival Event. ) Yes, yes, he is the kind of soul that will be missed !

Sandy, I was so saddened to see Dr. Durrell's obituary in the paper. I have lost touch with you in the last few years, and I did not even know that you had moved away. I know I told you how much he meant to me when I was a student in his class; he could bring up ideas and discuss aspects of writing and literature that I had not experienced before in a classroom. He had such intensity in all that he did. I knew I could not wait to get into my own classroom to tear apart a novel the way he did for all of us in his American lit classes! I am forever grateful that he was one of my professors long ago when Coastal was just a small three-building campus. My love of classical literature was nurtured by my experience within his classes; I was lucky enough to have him for several! You are in my prayers, Sandy. Also, please tell David that I am thinking of him. I do keep up with him somewhat through talking to his former classmates that still live in the area. I think it is wonderful that they have a bond that the years have not broken.

Dear Mrs. Durell,

I was shocked and very saddened by the sudden passing of Dr. Durell. Many many years ago, I had him as a professor and his class was very interesting. I give you and your family all my condolences. I know he will be missed by everybody and he was very much liked.



May God Bless you and your family,

Anita and Mike Ginski

Dear Sandy,

I am so sorry to hear about John. Please know that I am keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

Mrs. Durrell & Family,

I was so sorry to read of Dr. Durrell's passing. Several years ago, I was a student of Dr. Durrell's. My thought was since he was the Dean of the Humanities Department with lots of responsibilities it would be a pretty easy class. Wrong! Even though the class was quite challenging, Dr. Durrell's obvious love of the subject, and great sense of humor made it a class I looked forward to attending.

Mrs Bowden,

We are going to miss seeing Mr. Durrell's smiling face. Our thoughts & prayers are with you & your family.



Dr. Horecky & Staff

Dear Sandy,



I was devastated to read about John's sudden departure for his heavenly journey. Since Day One, I found in him one of the finest gentleman, who was highly educated and had elegant taste. His views were progressive. Even among our "gang" of wonderful colleagues he was one of the nicest. Pushpa, who is on long vacation in Colorado, shared my feelings for him. May his soul rest in peace. If there is anything we can do for you, please let us know.



Subhash and Pushpa Saxena

Linda and I are so saddened by John’s passing.

He was indeed an educated and cultivated man, and a good friend. John was the embodiment of a generation of classically educated, genuinely caring, administrator/professors who cared more about the classroom than publications/research, and there is a whole generation of Coastal students who are the better for having taken courses in the Humanities because of him.

We, among many others in the Conway/MB area, were the recipients of one of his used stereo systems, and we spent happy carefree hours in the “early days” listening to his newest system, tippling and having great discussions while he prepared a wonderful meal. We will especially remember him when Linda prepares his caesar salad and/or club-soda carrots recipes (a regular occurrence).

Dear Sandy, David, and all. I was suprised to hear that John has died. I guess I thought we were all going to live forever. Jim Eason is now the very last living piece of faculty/social history of our old gang. I'll remember you and John, John Eberwein and I, enjoying lovely restaurants, cadet mouton, and football games. Those memories will make me feel mellow. John Durrell did well with his life. You will miss his love for you and his unwavering support. God bless you Sandy. When you recover to the point where you venture out, call me and come and visit. All my love, Karen

Dear Sandy and David,

I was so sorry to hear about John. I will not be able to attend the service today, but I my thoughts will be with you as you celebrate his life and your wonderful memories.

Love,

Andrea

Dear Sandy,

I am so saddened to hear about John. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult season. Please give my love and sympathy to David, also.

Sincerely,

Carol Gunn Chestnut

Please accept our deepest sympathy. Tom and Nancy Scholl

Please accept my sincere sympathy and condolences in John's death. wbp