Mrs. Daisy Aline Sligar (née Rachal), age 101, passed away peacefully on May 7, 2025, in Wichita Falls, Texas. A beloved educator, mentor, and servant-hearted member of her community, Daisy lived a life marked by dedication, faith, and a deep love for nature and children.
Born on September 14, 1923, in Orange, Texas, Daisy was the daughter of Malonie Florence “Lonie” Bland Rachal and William Firman Rachal. She grew up in a family of six children and was preceded in death by her parents and five siblings: Walter Bland Rachal, John William Rachal, William Firman Rachal, Paul Merton Rachal, and Lonie Jane (Rachal) Mendoza.
Daisy’s commitment to education began early and remained a central theme throughout her life. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Education from the University of Texas at Austin in 1949. Nearly two decades later, she continued her academic journey by earning a Master of Education from Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls in 1965.
Her professional career was both pioneering and impactful. In 1961, Daisy became the first tennis coach at Rider High School upon its opening – a role that set the tone for many years of service to students through physical education and mentorship. She was part of the Wichita Falls school system for 30 years. Beyond the classroom and tennis court, she was deeply involved with the Camp Fire Girls organization, serving on the local board for many years and contributing to youth development programs that shaped countless lives. These areas of focus earned her the moniker of “Coach Sligar” in so many ways. She was proud to be known for that.
Daisy also gave over four decades of volunteer service to the American Red Cross water safety program. Her passion for teaching extended into pools and lakes across the region as she certified thousands of children and adults in swimming and water safety. Her influence rippled through generations who learned to swim under her guidance. She was a “teacher of teachers” by leading the Water Safety Instructor and Water Safety (Lifeguard) training programs in North Texas and Oklahoma.
During World War II, Daisy served her country as a civilian employee of the United States Navy in Orange, Texas. She worked at the naval shipyard during its peak activity – supporting the delivery of new and reconditioned ships vital to the war effort.
Faith was the cornerstone of Daisy’s life. She dedicated herself to Jesus Christ as a young girl and remained an active member of First Baptist Church from 1948 until her passing. For over 40 years, she taught in the church’s youth department—sharing biblical teachings with grace and humility. Her home on the banks of the Wichita River—affectionately known as “Daisy’s Peaceful Farm”—became a cherished gathering place for youth activities and spiritual growth.
Daisy found great joy working on her farm. Known for her “green thumb,” she planted more than 500 trees on her property and studied grafting techniques and pecan production with enthusiasm. She won several county fair contests for pecan growing and delighted in spending time in her greenhouse and garden. Horses were another lifelong passion; she always kept horses—and a few cattle—on her land and relished every opportunity to ride. Her favorite store was not Neiman Marcus…it was Smith’s Gardentown.
She is lovingly remembered by those who knew her as kind-hearted, determined, humble in spirit, and unwaveringly devoted to helping others grow physically and spiritually.
Daisy is survived by her son James “Jim” Leland Sligar (wife Janeth) of Leyte, Philippines; daughter Sharla Jean Sligar Huddle (husband Stephen Huddle) of Lubbock, Texas; and nephew Robin Lynn Brown (wife Alice Anne) of Stephenville, Texas, whom she loved dearly and considered a second son, also two nieces Betty Hester of Port Arthur, Texas and Rachal Smith of Houston, Texas, also 7 grandchildren, Stephanie Huddle Van Keer (husband Bart), Shawna Huddle Jackson (husband Lee), Bobby Brown (wife Katie), Billy Brown (wife Sami), J Logan Sligar (wife Makensie), Tiffany Garzon, Eunice Garzon and 10 great grandchildren. Daisy was affectionately known by her grandchildren and great-grands as “GG” a name given to her by her first granddaughter. She was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, James Harding Sligar; and their infant son.
The family would like to remember and thank Denise Williams, Vivian Medlinger, and Lloyd Thompson. They are wonderful caring friends who helped Daisy stay on her farm until she was 92. The family would also like to remember and thank the staff of Presbyterian Manor and Hospice of Wichita Falls for the tender and loving care shown to her for the 10 years since she left her farm.
A funeral service honoring Daisy’s remarkable life will be held at First Baptist Church in June exact date & time to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the youth department of First Baptist Church or to the Wichita Falls Camp Fire Girls Harrell Park Swimming Pool – two causes close to Daisy’s heart.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.lunnscolonial.com or sligarjames@gmail.com
May her memory bring comfort to all who were blessed to know her.
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