Terrell Eugene Dailey

1936-2017

Terrell Eugene “Gene” Dailey was a native and lifelong resident of Houston. Born on September 4, 1936, his family were early members of Central Church of Christ (originally Drew & Albany Church of Christ), and Gene started attending soon after his birth on September 4, 1936. He was continuously involved with Central and Southwest Central until his death on December 27, 2017 at age 81. He was preceded in death by parents Rusty and Vola Dailey, his beloved wife Camille, his dear companion Joyce Toellner, and his brother Russell Dailey.

Gene and Camille married on July 12, 1957. He is survived by six children and “children-in-love”: Yvonne Dailey and Philip Brogden, Lynn and David Ball, and Terry and Hilda Dailey. He delighted in his grandchildren: Jennifer Ball and Ted Markulin, Jonathan Ball, Laura Dailey, and Dana Dailey. He is also survived by his cousin and surrogate brother Terrell Sanders, brother-in-law Mike Morrish, nephews Scott Dailey, Kenneth Dailey, Matt Morrish, and Mike Morrish, and nieces Karren Bennett, Sharon McGill Lara, Francesca Wong, and Melanie Kinzie, and by many friends and extended family members.

Gene was a mechanical designer who spent most of his career at Schlumberger, where he patented numerous inventions for oil field use. He was active with the Schlumberger retirement group until his death. He could and did make or repair just about anything, and was highly reluctant to pay anyone to do something he could do himself. His sense of humor and dry wit often surprised people who had previously only known him for his dignity and strict sense of propriety.

Gene enjoyed traveling with friends and family, especially his long-time friends Gary and Joan Lendermon. From campouts to cruise ships, Gene leaves behind memories of many happy trips together. Over the years, he was active with Bluebirds and Camp Fire Girls, Brownies and Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Webelos. He loved God, children, dogs, music, poking around historic sites, tromping around in the wilderness, floating in the Blanco River, and — most of all — doing anything with his family.