Obituary of Eddie Carroll DuRant, Sr.

Dr. Eddie Carroll DuRant Sr., 98, widower of Gloria Bell DuRant, died Friday, February 05, 2021 at his home. Born in Sumter, he was a son of the late Edgar Plowden DuRant and Cora Clyde DuRant. Dr. DuRant practiced dentistry in Sumter for 48 years. Dedicated to his profession, some of his honors and accomplishments included being selected as a Fellow in the International College of Dentists and the American College of Dentists. He was President of the SC Dental Association. He was instrumental in co-founding the Charity Children’s Dental Clinic in Sumter. As an outstanding proponent of dental care, Dr. DuRant alone, spearheaded the successful fluoridation campaign of Sumter as well as Florence County water systems in 1958. He was a member and deacon of the Wedgefield Presbyterian Church and the church Fellowship Hall is named DuRant Hall in his honor. He was a former President of the National Boykin Spaniel Society. Surviving are two sons, Dr. Eddie “Skip” DuRant, Jr. (Annette) of Wedgefield and E. Bryan DuRant, Sr. (Beth) of Sumter; a daughter. Glise Earnhardt (Mike) of Wedgefield; 8 grandchildren, Dana Ferguson (Luke), Dixie DuRant, Bryanne DuRant, Brookelyn Pugh (Christian), Hunter DuRant, Jr., Eddy Hyder (Brian), Michael Earnhardt (Lisa) and Delta Tompkins (Kellen); 11 great-grandchildren, Lukas Ferguson, McKenzie Hyder, Riley Hyder, Tripp Earnhardt, Emery Earnhardt, Brodie Pugh, C.J. Pugh, Beau Bryan Pugh, Edie Davis, Katie Davis, Decker Davis; and a sister-in-law, Patricia Fuller. He was preceded in death by a brother, Harold DuRant; three sisters, Louise Dennis, Harriett Houston and Clyde Kirkpatrick. Private family graveside services will be held. Memorials may be made to the Wedgefield Presbyterian Church Cemetery Fund in care of James Hugh Ryan, 6525 Ravine Lane, Wedgefield, SC 29168 or to a charity of one’s choice. On-line condolences may be made at www.sumterfunerals.com Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad Street, Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements (803) 775-9386.