Billy Ray McDaniel was born to Clifton Dale and Lucille McDaniel in Huntsville, Texas on April 25,1934, and passed away peacefully into the presence of his Lord and Savior on March 17, 2019, in his hometown of Houston, Texas. He was preceded in death by his father and mother and his brother John Edd McDaniel.
Bill married Dorothy Faye Sims McDaniel on March 6, 1953 and began his career as a truck driver. He soon found and fulfilled his true passion when he was called into full time ministry as a Pastor, in which he served devoutly for more than 55 years as the Pastor of Oak Grove and Lillja Road Baptist Churches. Bill was extremely knowledgeable and self-educated in the scriptures, including Greek and Hebrew studies; and over the years was a sought-out speaker and teacher at numerous Bible conferences and revival services. He produced the church radio broadcasts along with having several editorials published in the Houston Chronicle. He also found joy as an educator in the private school system and as a mentor to many young pastors. Bill was also a student of politics and served his community for several years as an election official at voting poll locations.
Bill will be remembered as a fun-loving man who always entertained family and friends with his jokes. He enjoyed traveling to the mountains and camping and he loved the game of baseball, instilling that love for the game in his two sons, Dale and Mark, at a very young age. Bill energetically loved people. He was a great neighbor who sought to be kind and helpful to everyone around him, and never hesitated to lend a helping hand to those in need.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 66 years, Dorothy McDaniel, son Dale McDaniel; son Mark McDaniel and his wife Kim; grandchildren Brian McDaniel and his wife Tamara; Grace McDaniel; Tammy Yates and her husband Shawn; Pam White and her husband Josh; Robin Barnett and her husband Sam; Jamie Jones and her husband Kevin; 15 great grandchildren; and numerous loving cousins.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the McDaniel family by signing the guest book.