Tributes

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Darryl Motley, affectionately known as “Papa” or “Pappaw”, on February 25, 2025, at the age of 89. He passed peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family. Darryl was born on September 6, 1935, in McAllen, Texas. He graduated from McAllen high school in 1954. Afterwards, he attended and graduated from Southern Methodist University with a degree in Economics and a minor in chemistry. He continued his graduate studies at the University of Houston while beginning his career in sales and management. Darryl began his career in building product sales and then lumber sales and management of wholesale lumber yards. He held positions in East Texas, North Texas, Portland, Oregon, Houston, Texas and San Antonio, Texas. He was well liked, understood the market well and had extensive knowledge of lumber. He liked to check out the types of trees growing in the areas he visited. Once while on a vacation in Canada with his family, he took a sprig of pine from a local tree to take a closer look. Later, he forgot the spring was still in the car. The border agent noticed it immediately and asked if he was bringing any vegetation back to the United States. Darryl replied, “No”. When the agent pointed at the sprig sitting on the dash and asked, “What is that?”, Darryl quickly surrendered it. Darryl loved his country. In 1959, he enlisted in the United States Army. After being released from active duty, he returned to the Army Reserves (Texas) to complete his remaining 5 years of service. Darryl married the love of his life, Carolyn Motley, on May 27, 1961. They were lifelong companions and best friends. They were blessed with three children, Michael, Catherine and Douglas and two grandchildren, Piper and Wesley. Darryl was an active member in the Fairhaven Methodist church in Houston for 14 years. He and his wife were youth ministers and enjoyed sharing their faith and love for our Lord. Darryl loved the mountains, and he loved historical events especially the events of the Gold Rush and Texas history. He spent many hours with his wife and children following and reading the Texas historical markers, gold panning in the many streams of Colorado and searching for old ghost towns. He traveled to Colorado every year with his family. His favorite spot was the San Juan Mountain area because of its beauty and rich history. Darryl was also a devoted SMU mustang fan and an avid movie watcher. He held season passes and often traveled to all the SMU games. He loved Country Music. Merle Haggard was one of his favorites. During one of his recent surgeries, the surgeon played Merle Haggard which put him at ease. He loved the old western films, and action movies. Some of his favorite actors were Tom Selleck, Bruce Willis, John Wayne, Gene Hackman and Clint Eastwood. He loved to share his love for movies with family, often mailing copies for family members to enjoy. Darryl loved spending time with family and friends. He loved family gatherings. He was trustworthy, a mentor, honorable, ethical, intelligent, kindhearted and funny. He could always make you laugh. Family and friends have many “Darryl stories” to share and cherish. Darryl is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Carolyn Lukasik Motley, his sons, Michael Motley and Douglas Motley, his daughter, Catherine Hoffmeyer (Jeffrey) and grandchildren, Piper Hoffmeyer and Wesley Hoffmeyer, his niece, Krystal Goree (Roger), great niece, Karee Huggins, great nephew, Trent Goree (Rachael) and great great nieces and nephews, Riggs Huggins, Emma Goree and Stephen Goree. Darryl was preceded in death by his parents, Delmer and Crystal Waters Motley, his sister, Marilyn Knops, and his brother-in-law Harold Knops. He will be dearly missed. The family would like to extend a special heartfelt thanks to the wonderful Alamo Hospice nurses, CNAs and social workers. Your gentle care, comfort and support will never be forgotten. “Forever in Our Hearts”

Tributes

Fredric Darryl Motley

September 6, 1935 - February 25, 2025