Russell Dean McDaniel, age 60, of Celina, Texas passed away on September 28, 2025, in Celina, Texas. He was born on September 10, 1965, to William Wylie and Lana Sue (Salyer) McDaniel in Terrell, Texas. Russell grew up in Lubbock, Texas and graduated from Monterey High School in 1984. He continued his education at Southeastern Oklahoma State University where he played football while earning a degree in Education. He graduated with his bachelor’s degree in 1988.
Russell met Kimberly Janease Burge while in school at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. They wed on March 28, 1987, in Denison, Texas. They welcomed a daughter, Lauren Brooke McDaniel and later a son, Terry William McDaniel, completing their family of four.
Russell began his career in education, teaching and coaching in Kaufman, TX in 1989. He spent 34 years in public education, teaching, coaching, mentoring, and leading teachers and administrators across 6 school districts in Texas. Along the way, he furthered his education, gaining 2 master’s degrees in Principal and Superintendent. Russell was passionate about public education and had a desire to change the education system for the better. He influenced the lives of thousands of students and educators throughout his many years in education.
Russell never met a stranger. He shined with brightness and a humor that drew people to him. He always made students and teachers feel welcome and appreciated. He was loved by so many. But his true love was his grandchildren who lovingly called him Pepaw.
Russell will be missed dearly but his family is comforted by the words in Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is near the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
Russell is survived by his wife, Kimberly McDaniel of Celina, Texas; daughter, Lauren McDaniel of Celina, Texas; son, Terry McDaniel and wife, Kaci of Rockwall, Texas; grandchildren, Zachary McDaniel, Braylon McDaniel, Hannah McDaniel, Addison McDaniel, and Alex McDaniel; sister, Regina Pruitt and husband, Les of Howe, Texas; brother, Robert McDaniel and wife, Melody of Houston, Texas; and numerous extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Robin Newton and his parents, William and Lana McDaniel.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 3, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at First Celina Church, 841 N Preston Rd, Celina, TX 75009. The family will receive friends during a visitation on Thursday, October 2, 2025, from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, 109 S. Oklahoma Drive, Celina, Texas 75009.