It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, and friend, Frank E. “Buddy” Rourke, Jr., 84, of Dillon, South Carolina, husband of Joyce Pate Rourke. Buddy entered into eternal rest Tuesday, September 16, 2025. His Funeral Mass will be held Friday, September 19, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Louis Catholic Church at 610A U.S. Hwy 301 N, Dillon, SC 29536. Rite of Committal will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Kannaday Funeral Home on Thursday, September 18, 2025 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., located at 1252 SC-57, Dillon, SC 29536.
Buddy was born January 8, 1941, in Charleston, South Carolina, son of the late Frank Ellison Rourke, Sr. and Barbara Harley Rourke. He was a graduate of Blessed Sacrament Catholic School and Bishop England High School Class of 1959. He also proudly completed his freshman (knob) year at The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina. After marriage, Buddy and Joyce made their home in Dillon, South Carolina to take over Joyce’s family’s businesses of Pate’s Motel and Pate’s Dry Cleaners and Laundry. He joined the Dillon Rotary and made his career as a successful businessman in Dillon. He was an outspoken advocate for the “dry cleaning fluid clean fund act” at the Statehouse.
Buddy also inherited a small group of show horses that he enjoyed riding and showing with his children. He was an avid race car fan and vintage car collector.
Known for his boundless energy, love of sports, and unwavering devotion to his family, Buddy was a true pillar of his community and the heart of his family. His passion for sports first took root in Charleston as a young boy. A natural athlete from youth to high school to adulthood, he excelled in both baseball and football, becoming a standout player whose achievements left a lasting legacy. Whether on the field or at practice, he always gave 100%, earning respect from teammates, coaches, and opponents alike. His competitive spirit, combined with a heart full of sportsmanship, made him a leader on and off the field.
As he transitioned into adulthood, Buddy’s love for sports continued to grow. He became an avid golfer, spending countless hours perfecting his swing and sharing the course with friends and family. He was always ready for a game, whether on the local fairway or course in Scotland. He served as Vice President of the S.C. Golf Association for the latter half of the 1970s having won countless championship trophies and MVP awards throughout his career.
Buddy scouted free agents for the Denver Broncos football team in the early 1980’s taking him to many NFL stadiums and eventually a Super Bowl! He was a Jeopardy and trivia enthusiast He also loved playing with his friends on the Pres-Cath softball team. His love for friendly competition never faded.
But what truly defined Buddy was his devotion to his family. A loving husband, father, and grandfather, he was a constant presence at every family event, never missing a game, practice, or opportunity to support his children and grandchildren. His pride in his family was evident in everything he did, and his legacy will live on through the lives of his children, grandchildren, and all who were fortunate enough to know him.
In addition to his love for family, he had an insatiable curiosity for the world around him. He was an avid traveler, always seeking new experiences and adventures travelling the country with his beautiful wife in their motor home. Whether it was a weekend getaway on the road or a week at his lake house playing with his children and grandchildren, he approached each trip with enthusiasm, eager to explore new places and share stories of his travels. And if you were ever in need of a good story, Buddy was always ready with a tale-each one more entertaining than the last.
Buddy was an active member in St. Louis Catholic Church and was a 50 year life member with the Knights of Columbus. He was a past Grand Knight of Marion-Dillon Council 8790 and was also a 4th Degree member of assembly No. 1574 in Florence, SC.
Buddy leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and memories that will never be forgotten. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, and his spirit will live on in the hearts of those he touched.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Joyce, son Frank E. “Bucky” Rourke, III, (Annette) of Dillon, daughter, Christie Rourke Holderness, sister, Roberta Ann Rourke Classen (Randy), and grandchildren Frank “Ellison” Rourke, IV, (Kiley) John Rourke (Kayley) and Priscilla Rourke, all of of Charleston, SC and Megan Holderness, of Columbia, SC and Stephen Holderness, of Charlotte, NC.
The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America in honor of Joyce Pate Rourke https://alzfdn.org/donate/
You may sign the online guestbook at www.kannadayfuneralhome.com.