Rodney Daniel Buddy Darden was preceded in death by his mother, Virginia Odell Hare Darden; his father, Leondrous "Leon" Polk Darden; and a brother, Donald Lee. He was a grandson of Mittie and Colonel Leondrous Polk Darden. One sister, Cecelia Alma Darden Young, survives, and a niece, Shannan Lynn Young. Rodney's stage name was Buddy Arden. He sang with his aunt, Miriam Kathleen Darden Syme, aka Suzi Arden, who had the longest running country and western show in Las Vegas, Nevada. Billed as The Suzi Arden Show at The Mint Hotel, the family enjoyed its popularity during the late '60's and early '70's. In later years, Buddy worked as a security guard at The Fremont Hotel. He quit that job after many years and went to work at another casino. Most of the Darden Family line belonging to Alexandria Campbell Darden and Margaret Caroline Overby Darden are buried at this cemetery in North Carolina. Buddy was a man of high ethics and will be remembered as a fine, decent, private man by all those who loved him. On June 16, 2006, I visited his graveside in Mapleton, North Carolina. His memory brought tears to my eyes. He was such a sweet, gentle man. We had many good times together and I will always love my friend and will keep his precious memory until we meet again.
Rodney Daniel Buddy Darden was preceded in death by his mother, Virginia Odell Hare Darden; his father, Leondrous "Leon" Polk Darden; and a brother, Donald Lee. He was a grandson of Mittie and Colonel Leondrous Polk Darden. One sister, Cecelia Alma Darden Young, survives, and a niece, Shannan Lynn Young. Rodney's stage name was Buddy Arden. He sang with his aunt, Miriam Kathleen Darden Syme, aka Suzi Arden, who had the longest running country and western show in Las Vegas, Nevada. Billed as The Suzi Arden Show at The Mint Hotel, the family enjoyed its popularity during the late '60's and early '70's. In later years, Buddy worked as a security guard at The Fremont Hotel. He quit that job after many years and went to work at another casino. Most of the Darden Family line belonging to Alexandria Campbell Darden and Margaret Caroline Overby Darden are buried at this cemetery in North Carolina. Buddy was a man of high ethics and will be remembered as a fine, decent, private man by all those who loved him. On June 16, 2006, I visited his graveside in Mapleton, North Carolina. His memory brought tears to my eyes. He was such a sweet, gentle man. We had many good times together and I will always love my friend and will keep his precious memory until we meet again.
