Danial Lee Gaffney

Danial Lee Gaffney, 80, passed away December 23, 2024 surrounded by his family in Midlothian, Texas. Dan was born on September 14,1944 in Fort Pierce, Florida to Dr. Philip and Hazel Gaffney. As a kid, and into college, Dan played numerous sports but excelled in basketball and baseball. After high school, Dan played semi-pro baseball for the Phoenix Firebirds, but was soon drafted into the Army and worked as a mechanic during Vietnam. In 1972, Dan married the love of his life, Ruth, and would later have 3 children. In 1986, the family moved from Scottsdale, Arizona to Midlothian, Texas so that Dan could continue his job as a distribution manager for Standard Brands Paint. Dan later went to work in management for Home Depot before starting his own business in 1998. Dan and his son-in-law, Brad, ran 3-D Towing until 2014. Dan loved all things sports, and enjoyed coaching baseball while Damon was growing up. He enjoyed fishing, Texas Rangers Baseball with his buddy Bob Hartson, and watching Tony Stewart race NASCAR. Dan loved his dogs, and watching his grandkids play sports. Dan was known for his quick wit and immense sarcasm. If you were lucky enough to be given a nickname, you knew he liked you. Dan is survived by his wife of 52 years Ruth, children Damon (Lorie), Danielle (Brad), and D’Vonne (Dustin), 15 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren. He is also survived by 2 sisters, Pam Long of St Johns, Arizona and Phylene Gaffney of Windsor, Colorado.