Obituary, Daniel Wayne

Daniel McAtee Obituary(Archived)

Published in Abilene Reporter-News on Oct. 29, 2015

First 25 of 255 words: Daniel McAtee Abilene, TX Daniel was called home Monday, October 26, 2015. Visitation for family and friends will be 5:00 till 7:00 PM, Thursday, October…

A Eulogy to my Brother

Beloved friends and family. I am Robert, Daniel’s younger brother. I would like to start by thanking all those who have gathered here today in token of their resolve and support through this most grievous time in our lives; Some people made a phone call, others an email. Some of you brought food. All of these acts were most gracious and are appreciated. Thank you for your kindness.

My brother’s sudden and unexpected death has, quite frankly, upheaved my spirit and dissolved my fortitude. Daniel was supremely loved and appreciated more than my simple words can describe. Life can be cruel; in days like today we know that now more than ever. We must remember however, that life is checkered with joy and sadness. This means that in between the pain and sorrow, we can also find beauty. For all of us that remain, we are grieving, and with grief comes anger, but it is our duty to strive at what leads to accord and mutual edification. And once we lift up our eyes from this great sorrow, if we look hard enough, we will see that Daniel has already been carried away by the Angels into the lap of Abraham and we will know that he has obtained his peace.

I remember when Daniel and I were boys, racing up and down LaSalle street, on the North Side of Abilene, on our bicycles. We spent the majority of our childhood there and I remember us being very happy. Daniel was my big brother, and as such, I looked up to him in pretty much every way and for the longest time, I wanted to be just like him. In my eyes, he was always better at sports, he was more charismatic and he was most definitely better looking than I. In our adolescence, I remember that we drifted into our respective circles, as most kids do, and it wasn’t until I returned from my travels in Mexico that we began to grow close again. Just two weeks ago, I recall how filled with joy my heart was when he came to visit. Our two families spent a fantastic weekend together. In the end, he became more than just my brother, he became my friend.

My brother was a tremendously hard working man who had a kind of noble heart that I don’t see in most people. He loved his family so much. He had an amazing ability and craftsmanship that I admired. I remember how proud he was of the work he was doing on his home. He created a beautiful place for his family. He loved the outdoors. I miss my brother greatly and will always remember him as the kind, loving and great man that he was.

I would like to end my Eulogy with a simple plea to our creator, as we are gathered here today in his name. I ask that my brother, Daniel Wayne McAtee, be warmly accepted into his house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

Rom 14:19, Luke 16:22, 2 Cor 5:1