DANNY RAY DANIEL
Quitman, TX
Feb 22, 1950 - July 4, 2024
Danny Ray Daniel, 74, retired Farmers Branch firefighter and
paramedic, died July 4, 2024 in Quitman, Texas. Danny was permanently
disabled in the line of duty while responding to a fire with the
department, where his heroism and resulting grave injuries changed the
course of his life forever. A Carrollton native, Danny spent the
remainder of his life on his horse ranch in the peaceful Piney Woods of
East Texas where he had critters galore, most of which were tame; the
majority of which he usually acquired on accident.
To know Danny was to love him. To be loved by Danny was a gift.
Danny was an incredibly stubborn, six-foot-something rancher with
piercing eyes and long legs that got him where he needed to go most
days. He usually wore blue jeans with holes in the seat, cowboy boots
with worn soles, and socks that his toes stuck through. Atop his head
was usually a sweat-brimmed Longhorns or fire department ballcap. He
loved Dobermans, classic cars, and football (but never Jerry Jones). He
could tell you how many gunshots Lucas McCain shot in the opening
credits of The Rifleman from memory. He loved listening to “old people
music” (as his daughter called it) such as the Platters’ The Great
Pretender and other Oldies which reminded him of good times.
As a young boy who delighted in throwing Babe Ruth bars in the public
pool and yelling “Turd!” to ensure he had the pool to himself as others
fled, Danny’s sense of humor only got more vexing with age. He didn’t
care much for answering the phone, but he would give you a holler if he
wanted to—and usually when you least expected it.
Danny was a complex old cowboy of a great generation. As Danny’s body
failed him, his tenacious spirit allowed him to just keep livin’. If
Danny were a cat, his ninth life would have been at least four tractor
accidents or horse kicks ago. Danny survived leukemia and was a lifelong
patient of UT Southwestern in most, if not all, of its various medical
departments. As a card-carrying frequent hospital flyer, Danny’s worst
memories of hospitals (his time in the burn unit from his firefighting
accident or his bone marrow transplant from leukemia) were followed by
his best memories (being visited by therapy animals or playing “vidya
games” brought into the hospital room just for him). For the remainder
of his life, Danny was gracious to the hundreds of nurses and doctors
who were his friends, especially the ones who let him break hospital
rules and smuggle in good food.
Danny’s superpower was his radiant joy that peeked through his clouds if
you were lucky enough to see past them. Danny didn’t have much patience
for people; he much preferred his animals, which he credited healing his
varying and usually terminal ailments. Those that loved him knew this
pecking order, and it just made sense. Animals, after all, are better
than people.
Danny was unconditionally loved by his daughter and loved ones, and his
critters he left behind. Danny graduated from R.L. Turner High School in
Carrollton and received his Bachelor’s degree in Animal Husbandry from
Sul Ross State University in Alpine.
Danny is preceded in death by his father James Byers “Art” Daniel,
mother Willie Marie “Bill” Daniel, and beloved cousin Betty Lou Dennis.
He is survived by his daughter, Gracen Daniel (28) of Dallas, who will
forever be Danny’s “little squirt” enriched by his good humor and love
of animals. Danny is also survived by Betty Lou’s husband, Harold Wayne
Dennis; his brother Jimmie A. Daniel; and a flourishing and large family
tree of kinfolk who very much love and treasure their country cousin
Danny.
Danny’s life will be celebrated on July 18, 2024 at 10:00 AM in a
graveside service at Hilltop Memorial Park in Carrollton, Texas under
the direction of Lowe-Gardner Funeral Home of Quitman. He will be buried
next to his parents and laid to rest in dignity by the Farmers Branch
Fire Department Honor Guard, expressing their gratitude for Danny’s
heroism he exhibited in the line of duty. In lieu of flowers, his
daughter asks those remembering Danny to contribute to the designated
fund that has been established for the care of Danny’s dogs and horses
he leaves behind. Or to best remember Danny, just be kind to animals and
one another. |