Danny M. McCarley

Danny M. McCarley, of Pampa, passed away on September 24, 2021 in Pampa.

Services will be 10:00 AM, Wednesday, September 29, 2021 at the Carmichael-Whatley Colonial Chapel with Rev. Paul Beam, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church of Pampa, officiating, and Cameron Reeves, his son-in-law, eulogizing Danny’s service. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors. Danny’s service will be live streamed through the funeral home’s website.

Danny Melvin McCarley was born in Amarillo, Texas to Herman and Vera McCarley on June 2, 1950.  He graduated frem Amarillo High School in 1969 and started attending Amarillo College.  He then found his first calling as a firefighter and spent 10 years with the Amarillo Fire Department from 1971-1981. Danny’s entrepreneurial spirit then led him to start his own businesses, Contemporary Classics and Vacation Vans.  Danny transitioned back to the corporate sales world in 1995 and worked for PPG until he retired in 2013.  

Danny was married to Susan Cargill from 1971-1990, and they had 2 children, Jennifer, born in 1974, and Jason, born in 1976. Danny was a tremendous father to his two children, Jennifer and Jason.  Balancing his family life with a firefighter career, the start of a new business venture, and his recreational activities was never easy, but something that Danny did well. 

Living the single dad life with 2 children in high school, Danny met Linda through a mutual friend in Amarillo in 1993.  They began dating seriously and married February 14, 1996.  For the past 25 years, their love and passion for each other grew and blossomed.  Danny loved “taking care” of his Linda.  Danny’s passion and love for Linda was followed close behind by his love and passion for the outdoors.  Danny was an avid hunter and golfer and enjoyed the fellowship and camaraderie that these activities created between him, his family & friends.  

His grand and great-grandchildren affectionately called him “Grumpy.”  That name was given to him by his daughter, Jennifer, because of his “rough and tough” demeanor that actually covered his tender-hearted loving kindness.  Danny loved attending all of his kids' and grandkids' sporting events, birthday parties, and special events.  He was strong, funny, and hardheaded.  He loved big and always spoke exactly what he was thinking.

Danny was preceded in death by his father, Herman McCarley, and mother, Vera McCarley. 

He is survived by his wife, Linda McCarley of Pampa; a daughter, Jennifer Reeves and husband Cameron of Canyon; a son, Jason McCarley of Canyon; step-daughters, Kim Holman of Pampa, and Tracy Miller and husband, Dan of Amarillo; seven grandchildren, Krissy Holman, of Norman, OK, Kamy Stewart and husband James of Amarillo, Zach Reeves and Ashley of Canyon, Klay Miller and wife Alysia of Amarillo, Haleigh McCarley of Amarillo, Kenna Miller of Amarillo, and Teel Reeves of Canyon; four great-grandchildren, Eyva Starr, Rosalee and Matthew Stewart, & Atticus Miller;  two sisters, Terry Rutar and husband Roger of Amarillo, Bellinda Smith and husband Daryl of Canyon; two nieces, Brittany Hollis and husband Jeremy of Amarillo, and Ashley Mills and fiancé, Pete Dannheim of Amarillo.