Ira Daniels

Ira lee Daniels, 74, returned to his heavenly home on May 19, 2015 after a valiant battle with cancer. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace.
Ira was born to the late Henry and Mattie Frank Jordan, in Dallas, TX on January 1, 1941. He was immersed in the Christian community that would be his lifelong support from an early age. Ira attended Lincoln High School in Dallas Texas where he earned his nickname “Hot Rod” as a driver of fast cars, a record breaking track athlete, and for his basketball prowess.  He went on to be a barrier breaker at the University of North Texas were he set the bar for African American athletes and set several track and field records.  Among his many athletic and academic accomplishments at North Texas, he is also known for creating the University’s moniker “Mean Green” which continues to be the battle cry of the school some 50 years later.  Ira graduated from UNT in 1969 with a Degree in Mechanical Engineering that he would leverage throughout his professional career.
Ira was blessed with a large and loving family. He married his best friend and college sweetheart Brenda Joy Bryant, on November 27, 1965 in Gainesville, TX. Ira helped raise his three children with patience, discipline and humility. He instilled in them the importance of a good education, work ethic and dedication to their Faith at a very early age.  Ira often said, “With three kids, one of them is sure to be a dud”, but he would also say “all of my children are faithful and accomplished; their mother and I did good!”
While Ira was an accomplished athlete, he truly was a cheerleader at heart.  Whether it was cheering on his grandchildren at their various events or his beloved Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Mavericks or UNT Eagles, Ira did not miss an opportunity to say, “Let’s Go!”  Many a dinner and other events were rescheduled or missed just the same!
He is dearly missed by his loved ones, who celebrate the fact that he is at peace with his creator. Ira is survived by his wife, Brenda his children Rodney (Leticia), Xan, and Shane (Treneita); his grandchildren Stacy, Kyle, Argentina, Rodney Jr., Bria, Kaitlyn, Sadie and a host of in-laws, nieces and nephews.

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