Raymond O

Visitation:
Thursday, September 17, 2009
6:00 PM until 8:00 PM
Wayne Boze Funeral Home
1826 W.Hwy 287 Business
Waxahachie, TX 75165
Service:
Friday, September 18, 2009
10:00 AM
Graveside and Interment--Hillcrest Burial Park
Waxahachie, TX 75165

Raymond Lee "Buck" O'Daniel went home to meet his loved ones and his Lord on Tuesday, September 15, 2009, at the age of 84.

Buck O'Daniel was born May 21, 1925 to Jesse Jane (Crow) and Will Allen O'Daniel. He attended grade school in Lone Elm, Texas and enlisted in the U.S. Merchant Marines in 1943. As a Merchant Marine, he served during World War II in the Pacific Islands.

Buck married his soul mate, Clayton Luvenia Tapp, on January 15, 1944. As newlyweds, the couple lived in Howard, Texas prior to Buck's deployment with the Marines. After his World War II service, Buck and Clavenia raised their family in Waxahachie. They were blessed with two children: a son, Raymond Michael (Mike), and daughter Marcia Ann. After 42 years of marriage, Clavenia preceded Buck in death in 1986. Buck was a member of the First Baptist Church of Waxahachie, TX and a former longtime member of the Men's Downtown Bible Class.

As the youngest of nine children, Raymond Lee was quickly nicknamed "Buck" by his family. He was an accomplished singer and songwriter and by age six was playing the mandolin for the O'Daniel brothers' band, the Midnight Ramblers. Although music was his first love, he supported his family by working as a barber. His barbering skills steadily gained popularity and the O'Daniel & Son Barber Shop, located on Sycamore and later Ferris Avenue, was a staple in Waxahachie for more than 40 years.

For many years, Buck sang, played guitar, and served as M.C. at most of the musical variety shows at the Chautauqua Auditorium. He loved entertaining and socializing with Ellis County friends and enjoyed assembling country western bands to provide music for many dances and events such as the Senior Citizens group and Nash Community gatherings. His son and lead guitarist, Mike, and daughter, Marcia, were always included in Buck's groups and were featured vocalists. Every one of Buck's shows began with the old traditional tune, "Alabama Jubilee" and his trademark closing song, with Mike and Marcia singing along, was the old gospel hymn, "Just a Closer Walk with Thee."

Mr. O'Daniel is survived by his dutiful daughter Marcia O'Daniel of Arlington, TX, grandchildren Kyle Reed of Waxahachie, TX and Lindsey Browning of Grapevine, TX; great-grandchildren Jacob and Jacy Jenkins and Noah and Colin Reed, all of Waxahachie, TX, and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding Mr. O'Daniel in death were his parents; wife, Clavenia; son, Raymond Michael O'Daniel; and granddaughter, Michelle O'Daniel Jenkins.

The family will receive friends and relatives from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, September 17 at the Wayne Boze Funeral Home in Waxahachie. The Celebration of Life will be held Friday, September 18 at 10 a.m., at the Hillcrest Burial Park, with Dr. Fenton officiating. Honorary pallbearers are Gary Giles, Happy Jenkins, Charles O'Daniel, Jim Odom, Ken Roberts and Tommy Winn.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org).
www.waynebozefuneralhome.com