Dr. W. Elzie Danley Sr., age 88, of Medon, Tennessee passed away on Sunday, July 24, 2022.
Dr. Danley was born October 3, 1933 in Hayti, MO to the late Nelson and Myrtle Danley. Dr. Danley had a 42 year career in education that began at the age of 17. During this time he taught school and served as a principal and superintendent in the MO Bootheel while simultaneously serving his country in the Army National Guard. After getting his PHD in education at Ole Miss he taught at Memphis State University for 25 years. He later served as Superintendent of the Jackson Madison County School System for nearly 4 years.
After retiring from Memphis State University, Dr. Danley answered the call to ministry. He attended seminary and graduated with a Doctorate of Ministry degree from Luther Rice Seminary. He pastored several churches In the Jackson area including Malesus Baptist Church, Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, and Johnson Grove Baptist Church.
Dr. Danley left a great legacy of faith and education through his ongoing servant leadership. His Christian values and passion for education had a positive impact on countless individuals. His legacy will live on through these people along with his children and his entire extended family. He will be greatly missed.
In addition to his parents, Elzie was preceded in death by his first wife, Dottie Reagan Danley; and his sister, Wanda Koontz.
He is survived by his wife, Myrtle Frances Danley; his children, Renee Shackelford (Fred), Elzie Danley, Jr. (Susie), and Lee Danley (Carolyn); his stepchildren, Barbara Fox, Billie Duke, and Barry Cooksey; his grandchildren, Dr. Fred Shackelford IV, Danley Shackelford, Lee Danley II, Elizabeth Wiggs, Liesl Danley, Tori Spencer, Leah Mchugh, Lennon Leal Danley, Jamie Young, and Mary Danley; his step grandchildren, Stephanie Ogilsvie, Tony Duke, Chris Cooksey, Kelly Cooksey, D.J. Fox, and Jennifer Fox; and thirty three great grandchildren.
The family will receive friends and loved ones at a visitation to be held on Wednesday evening, July 27, 2022 from 5-7 p.m. at the South Chapel of George A. Smith and Sons. The visitation will resume on Thursday morning, July 28, 2022 from 9-10 a.m. at Malesus Baptist Church, 480 Old Malesus Rd., Jackson. The funeral service will follow at 10 a.m., officiated by Dr. Fred Shackelford IV and Bro. Mark Cagle. Burial will follow in Ebenezer Cemetery in Malesus.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.GASmithandSonsFuneralHome.com for the Danley family.
