Howard Dailey

Howard Dailey, Jr. was born on March 8, 1960, to the parentage of Howard Dailey, Sr. and Bobbie Jean Matlock Dailey.

In his youth, Howard joined Old Mt. Zion AME Church, where he was baptized at the Ben Few Campground. While at Mt. Zion, he sang in the youth choir, served as an usher, and participated in Sunday School ministry.

Later in life, after settling in the Dallas, Texas area, Howard united with The Potter’s House Church under the leadership of Bishop T.D. Jakes in 1999. It was there that he confessed his belief in Jesus Christ and accepted Him as his personal Savior. Howard completed the New Members Curriculum and received a certificate of completion. This accomplishment inspired his desire to learn and understand the Word of God in its totality and how to apply it to his life.

After his health became impaired and he experienced mobility issues, he occasionally attended Bibleway Community Baptist Church, which was closer in proximity to his residence in Irving, Texas.

Educationally, Howard attended Fordyce, Arkansas Public Schools from grades 1–12 and received his diploma on May 26, 1978. While in high school, he also attended Warren Vo-Tech and earned a certificate in Auto Mechanics.

Howard possessed a lively spirit along with a pleasant personality that never met a stranger—even while working various jobs. Throughout his career, he was employed by Trinity Industries, ACME Brick, General Dynamics, and others. He had a strong work ethic and firmly believed that if a man didn’t work, he didn’t eat.

Throughout his life, Howard lived in various places including Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Greensboro. His hobbies included hunting, songwriting, cooking, and watching football—especially his favorite team, the Dallas Cowboys.

Howard departed this life on February 23, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard Dailey, Sr. and Bobbie Jean Dailey, and his sister, Marcella Dailey.

Howard leaves to cherish his memory a daughter, Briona Dailey of Arlington, Texas; three sons, Scorpio Dailey of Wylie, Texas, Dennis Dailey of Denton, Texas, and Brian Dailey of Little Rock, Arkansas; one sister, Barbara Dailey of Princeton, Arkansas; six grandchildren, Kailebe, Taylor, A’leah, Addison, Dennis Jr., and Rickie.

Additional survivors include his special friend, Shila Moss Hargrove; her daughter, Melissa Essex; along with Christopher Essex and Alexandria Essex. For the past ten years, they contributed unselfishly to Howard’s happiness and well-being. He also leaves an inner circle of friends and a host of other relatives. 

Submitted by the Dailey Family

Pallbearers will be Glen Harrison, Marcus Hughes, Kevin Hughes, Connie Kendrick and Dean Hill.