Thomas Earl Daniels

Obituary
Thomas Earl Daniels, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, community leader, and trusted friend, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2025, in his home overlooking the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas - a view he cherished every day.
Born in Kerrville, Texas, in 1940 to Thomas Franklin ''Tom'' Daniels and Lucille Daniels, Tom grew up with a deep appreciation for small-town values, strong character, and the beauty of the Hill Country. His father was a well known educator and principal of Tivy Elementary School from 1930 to 1969. The school was renamed Tom Daniels Elementary in 1967 to honor his years of service and dedication to the Kerrville community - a legacy that deeply influenced Tom's own path. At Tivy High School, Tom was a standout in both football and tennis, advancing to the state tournament in tennis and earning a reputation for his competitive spirit and sportsmanship. He was later inducted into the Tivy High School Sports Hall of Fame. Inspired by his older brother Billy Ed Daniels, Tom followed in his footsteps to Rice University, where both brothers earned football scholarships. Tom also continued to enjoy playing tennis for many years after college.
Tom went on to build an extraordinary 50-year career in the banking industry - defined by integrity, people-first leadership, and a deep commitment to personal service. In Sugar Land, he served as President and CEO of Sugar Creek National Bank, where he helped shape a culture rooted in customer care and community connection. He served on many boards, among them the George Foundation - a charitable organization supporting education, community development, and health initiatives in Fort Bend County - work that he found deeply meaningful.
In 1997, Tom returned home to the Kerrville area and launched Bank of the Hills. Under his leadership, the bank quickly became a trusted institution, consistently voted ''Best Bank in Kerrville'' by the Kerrville Daily Times. He brought his signature approach - thoughtful leadership, an eye for hiring the most genuine and friendly people, and a personal touch that made customers feel truly cared for. In 2014, he was recognized by the Texas Bankers Association, along with others, for achieving 50 years of banking excellence.
He also cared deeply about the health and vitality of his hometown. His work with the Sid Peterson Memorial Hospital Foundation helped shape the future of healthcare in Kerrville, and he was a passionate supporter of the Kerrville River Trail, contributing to its development and helping give generations a beautiful way to experience the river he had loved since childhood.
Beyond his career, Tom's quiet strength and unshakable humility left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He never boasted of his achievements and was far more interested in lifting up others rather than drawing attention to himself. He was the best listener many of us ever knew - gentle, humble, and patient. He rarely if ever raised his voice, yet his presence always brought calm and comfort. To be around him was to feel at peace.
Tom loved many simple pleasures: Mexican food (especially Lopez), relaxing on the beach in South Padre Island, Rice Owls football, Houston Oilers and Astros games with his kids, a good margarita, and a nightly bowl of ice cream. He created treasured memories traveling to Greece, Portugal, Argentina, enjoying Wimbledon in England, frequenting Santa Fe and visiting San Miguel in Mexico. And he held a special affection for his dogs, Minnie and Sadie, who enjoyed being by his side.
Tom is survived by his loving wife, Charlotte, his son Tommy and his wife Dianna, and their daughters Patricia and Meredith, his daughter Abby and her partner Debbie, his son Patrick and his wife Melissa, and their children Maisie, Jonah, and Madeline.
He never missed an opportunity to tell his family how proud he was of them. To know Tom Daniels was to be reminded of what matters most - treating others with kindness, listening deeply, leading with humility, and appreciating life's quiet moments. He was, simply put, everyone's trusted friend - always ready with a listening ear, a warm smile, and a way of making you feel better about yourself.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Jim Young and his team at Peterson Hospice for their compassionate care and support during his final days. We appreciate all of the love and thoughtfulness they gave to our family.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. CST on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at Grimes Funeral Chapels in Kerrville, Texas, with a reception to follow.
Pallbearers will be Harold Wilson, Debbie Tuftee, Harvey Brinkman, Gerry Griffin, Jack Moore, Alton Rhoden, Larry Graham, Homer Stevens, Craig LeMeilleur, Billy Hale, George Horace Loving, and Barry Harrell
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to one of the following organizations
that were dear to Tom:
• Rice University Athletics
Gifts may be made online at giving.rice.edu. Please select ''Athletics'' as the designation and indicate ''In memory
of Tom Daniels'' in the tribute section.
Donations by mail can be sent to:
Rice University - Office of Development
MS-81, P.O. Box 1892
Houston, TX 77251-1892
Please include a note indicating the gift is in memory of Tom Daniels and designated to Athletics.
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• Peterson Hospice - Kerrville, TX
Donations may be mailed to:
Peterson Hospice
250 Cully Drive
Kerrville, TX 78028
Please indicate ''In memory of Tom Daniels'' on the memo line or enclosed note. Online donations may be made at: petersonhealth.com/foundation (select ''Hospice'' and enter a memorial note if prompted).