Daniel Ray Flora

Daniel Ray Flora of Dallas, Texas, passed away on December 5, 2024. His family surrounded him in love and laughter. Born March 11, 1966, in Dallas, Texas, Dan was the first-born and only son to Eddie and Callie Ann Flora and older brother to Janet Flora-McLaney.

He graduated from Trinity High School in Dallas in 1984 and later attained a bachelor’s degree in Christian Studies from Jacksonville Theological Seminary.

Dan married Valarie Pulisfer on August 19, 1994. They moved to Benton, Arkansas in 1995 and went on to have three beautiful and talented children and three other children he loved as his own. Through his ministry and mentorship, Dan was a father figure to many others.

He was an avid musician, playing any instrument he could pick up. He was best known for playing the drums, piano, and guitar, and for his Dean Martin impersonation.

One of his greatest honors was serving as Senior Chaplain at the Ouachita River Unit in Malvern, Arkansas. Prison ministry was where he flourished and was able to reach people, both staff and inmates.

Many will carry his memory with them for the rest of their life, including his gracious wife and children. He greatly impacted everyone he encountered and is revered by all as one the greatest men ever to live.

Preceding Dan in death is his father, Eddie Flora; mother, Calli Ann Flora; and his beloved Nana. Nana was waiting to greet him with banana pudding. Dan and his father are playing golf on the Lord’s Links. His dog Gunny went up a few weeks before to make sure his house was ready.

He is survived by his wife, Valarie Flora; and his children, David Flora and his wife, Ashankita Shankar-Flora; ViviAnne Flora and her husband, Wyatt Berry; and JuliAnne Flora; as well as Jonathan Larch, Angela Larch, and Blake Hayes.

Visitation will be held at Smith Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market St. on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Funeral will be held on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Smith Benton Funeral Home. Dan will be laid to rest at Lee Cemetery.

Arrangements entrusted to Smith Benton Funeral Home.