Danny Bellah
Danny Ray Bellah, 73, of Woodson, Texas, passed away surrounded by his family in Abilene, on November 4, 2023. The family will welcome friends for a visitation on Tuesday, November 7, from 5-6 p.m. at the First Christian Church in Woodson. His memorial service will be held on Wednesday, November 8, at 2 p.m., in the Danny Bellah Physical Education Center in Woodson. The interment will follow the service at the Woodson cemetery under the direction of the Melton Kitchens Funeral Home.
Danny Ray Bellah was born October 21, 1950, to Bobby Joe and Barbara Bellah in Olney, Texas. He is survived by his wife, Mary, of 50 years, daughter Kim Bellah Miller and husband Brady, and son Chad Bellah and wife Kristi. His pride and joy included his six grandchildren Danna, Hanna, and Julianna Miller; Britton, Carson, and Hagen Bellah, all of Woodson. Twin sister Debby Mathiews and husband Bobby, brother Jody Bellah and wife Betsy; sister-in-law Kay Simpson and brother-in-law Billy Powell.
Danny is preceded in death by his parent, Bobby, and Barbara Bellah.
Danny was raised and graduated from Woodson High School in 1969 where he loved and excelled in all sports and academics. All of his peers still comment on what a phenomenal athlete he was in football, basketball, baseball, and track. He met the love of his life Mary Ferne Powell while attending McMurry University. They graduated in May 1973 and married one week later on May 26, 1973, which began a life of love and commitment to each other.
Danny taught and coached in Lake Dallas, Rochester, and Woodson. His influence as an exceptional coach touched the lives of numerous athletes. After receiving his master’s from TWU, he served as principal and superintendent of Woodson ISD for 31 years where he impacted the lives of hundreds of students and staff. He is known for being a positive role model and encourager. The motto he implemented at school, “Be the best you can be,” is still used today. He received the honor of 2015 Distinguished Alumni of Woodson High School. In his total of 37 years of work in education, his influence extended beyond the school and touched the hearts and lives of those he encountered.
Mr. Bellah served as a director for the Texas Association of Community Schools and TACS Executive Committee member. He also served on the TEA Commissioner’s Cabinet in Austin, and he was a Study Chair for the Region 9 Service Center. Additionally, he served on the Throckmorton County Hospital Board and was a board member of Virginia’s House, a family resource center for neglected children. In retirement, he served as interim superintendent for both Throckmorton and Woodson schools and then worked as an office manager at BJB Transport until his health no longer allowed him to work.
Danny was a lifetime member of the First Christian Church of Woodson where he was an elder and Sunday school teacher. He devoted many hours to researching and documenting the history of the church to obtain a historical marker from the state. The marker has been approved, and the arrival of the marker will be in the near future. His impact reaches far beyond his beloved family and Woodson community to countless friends and colleagues. Danny lived out his strong Christian faith daily. He was loved by all who knew him, and he left his mark everywhere he went.
Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church of Woodson or the Woodson Exes Scholarship Fund. It was Danny’s desire to have a pavilion built by the church for the use and benefit of the Woodson community.
The family would like to thank Dr. Beasley and Mr. King, Beyond Faith Home Health Care, especially Whitney, Garyelle, and Halie.
