Daniel "Danny" Franklin South

Daniel "Danny" Franklin South, 59, of Amarillo died September 6, 2021.

Visitation will be from 6-7:00 p.m., Thursday, September 9, 2021 at Schooler Funeral Home, 4100 S. Georgia St. Funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m., Friday, September 10, 2021 at Pinnacle Community Church, 7305 S. Coulter. Arrangements are by Schooler Funeral Home.

To say the world has been impacted by a devastating loss would simply be an understatement. Mr. Daniel (Danny) Franklin South was born to Harold and Flo South on November 29, 1961. Raised in Amarillo, he graduated from Tascosa High School in 1980. He went on to further his education by attending Amarillo College where he graduated with an Associate in Science Degree in 1984. While attending AC, he was an active member in Sigma Alpha Delta. Continuing his education, he attended his beloved Texas Tech where he secured a Bachelor’s of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1986.

From a young age, Danny developed a passion for riding motorcycles. Beginning as just a fun thing to do while on vacation, he instantly developed a love for riding. At the tender age of 6, (much to his father’s disapproval, but with his mother’s gentle persuasion and influence), he was given the gift that would continue to give for years to come. In true Danny fashion, he promptly jumped on his new mini bike and proceeded to take off, crash and broke both of his arms. At the “more mature and experienced age” of 11, with race time approaching, Danny proceeded to head for the gates to line up. He was promptly approached by the Flagman yelling, “You are too little to be on the track. You need to GET OFF THE TRACK YOUNG MAN!” Harold hearing all of the commotion, quickly responded with, “he absolutely is NOT! He is in two classes, his tuition IS paid and he IS riding!” Little Danny went on to ride that race taking first place and winning a trophy! Many races later, provided many broken bones, meeting lifelong friends that become extended family and accumulating quite a large collection of trophies, plaques and awards.

At some point, a boy grows into a man. Not that that said boy ever “really grows up” because…well, Danny! With that comes “adult responsibilities” including buying a house, getting married and having a child. Danny married Jana on August 8, 1992. Their precious daughter, Makayla was born on December 27, 1998. With her birth, he developed a new fear, the fear of fatherhood and getting it all right; as well as, a passion for this precious baby he affectionately called “Baby Girl.” Divorcing, Danny and Jana continued to co-parent loving her into adulthood.

An avid gun enthusiast and proud Patriot, he loved his country while fiercely supporting the Constitution and each of its Amendments. He honorably served as President of the Amarillo Tea Party helping to educate and support our city, state and government. He was an incredible influence throughout our community serving on many committees and boards including: Amarillo College, Construction Specifications Institute, Texas Association of Real Estate Inspectors and American Indoor Air Quality Association. For the past 35 years, Danny has owned and operated American Inspection Services providing varying quality inspection services to the many residential and professional properties in and around the Texas panhandle. Being only one of five Licensed Inspectors qualified to do specific state and government inspections, his knowledge of indoor air quality and its dynamics led him to do business in many other states as well. His lifelong passion for motocross was influenced by many groups he was actively involved in including: Fast Old Bastards Association (FOBA), Texas Off Road Association (TORA), Texas Vintage Racing Circuit (TVRC) and a Facebook Group called Riders where he willingly participated in and created plenty of shenanigans while enjoying the friendships made, times spent together and unforgettable memories made. Danny thoroughly enjoyed a successful lifetime of racing until his final race in October 2019 when he crashed requiring surgery to repair his leg.

As his resume reflects, our Danny was an incredibly well educated and brilliant man (almost to a fault). He knew a lot about a wide variety of topics. He was extremely skilled, respected and very good at his job. Being his own boss, he was use to giving orders rarely accepting them. Those that knew him well, understand his very black and white personality. He did not recognize shades of grey. Being an engineer by trade, he was automatically wired to be a thinker/analyzer.  Also being OCD, he believed in doing things the right way every time, no matter how long it took. Danny had an abundance of strength, courage, ambition and determination. His lifetime was filled with many challenges including battling and beating cancer not once, but twice. Once in 2015 and again in 2020. His competitiveness, desire to always win, succeed and absolutely never quit attitude is what made him stand out. His unsolicited opinions, non-filtered responses and “one way of thinking” also shaped him. (Nobody said he was perfect, just forgiven) All of those qualities put together made him who we know and love. He may have been a bit rough around the edges, but those he allowed closest to him, know it was just a facade often covering up his incredibly tender heart.

Danny was preceded in death by his father, Harold South; Maternal and Paternal parents on both sides. He is survived by his Mother Flo South of Amarillo; sister Terri Bryant and husband Gene of San Antonio; daughter Makayla South of Amarillo; beloved girlfriend Shelly Jines and her children Gace, Jett, Jentry and Lynnley of the home; many adored nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his most loyal companion, his beloved dog Hooch.