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Dr. Darrell Loyless Retires After a Decade of Faithful Service
Dr. Darrell Loyless began his professional life as a college professor before transitioning to a successful career in higher-education philanthropy. During his years in higher education, the Association of Fundraising Professionals recognized him as Outstanding Fundraising Professional in 1994. Ten years ago, he was invited to join the Texas Methodist Foundation as Vice President of Advancement, leading the organization’s development staff in offering gift planning guidance to individuals and endowment building services to churches.
Loyless has been honored to work personally with many United Methodist churches, colleges, agencies, and individuals, particularly in the area of deferred giving guidance. Reflecting back on his work, he recalled the many “wonderful people” he partnered with as part of the TMF staff. “The notion of servanthood brought me here, and I saw over and over again how that’s lived out in the work of those I was privileged to assist, as well as in my TMF colleagues.”
Through his philanthropic career he came to understand there are good people everywhere, and most have a spark of generosity waiting to be ignited. “In the process of working with them, I’ve tried to facilitate their gifts and, in turn, their dreams. But I’ve also personally learned some things about being generous. I firmly believe God has placed love within each of us and that love is the wellspring of all our giving. Because of this, people want to make a difference.”
Loyless concluded his service to the Foundation by helping acquire resources to further the ministries of the TMF Institute for Clergy and Congregational Excellence. When he shifted into this role full-time, gift planning and endowment services became part of TMF’s Charitable Services area, led by Candy Gross.
Jim Turley, executive director of the Institute, shared that “One of the great joys for me of being a part of the remarkable TMF family has been the special pleasure of partnering in ministry with my good friend and brother in Christ – Darrell Loyless.”
“Darrell’s experience and wisdom from his career in development work has been pivotal in the success we have enjoyed in launching a radically new adventure in fundraising for the Institute. But more importantly, Darrell has a passion and enthusiasm for the ministry of TMF and the Institute he has communicated contagiously to prospective donors, in addition to providing affirmation and encouragement to staff. Darrell has helped us establish a model for our fundraising that will strengthen and sustain the ministries of TMF and the Institute for years to come. I am extremely grateful to Darrell for all he has done for our ministry, but especially for who he is, and the very special friend he is to me,” Turley added.
Loyless was honored by Foundation President Tom Locke and fellow staff during a retirement luncheon on April 21, and officially retired at the end of April. During the gathering Endowment Consultant Linda Murdock commented on the time she spent working as part of Loyless’ development staff.
“Darrell is one of the wisest and kindest managers I have ever known,” Murdock observed. “He is a master teacher and motivator. Along with his vast technical knowledge of planned gifts, his sharp wit and deep insight into human nature provided a humorous yet compassionate backdrop to his management style. Listening intently, he treated each of us with respect and caring while inspiring us to achieve excellence. He continually communicated a clear vision and artfully guided us through strategic departmental goal setting and implementation.”
“Personally, I have benefitted tremendously from Darrell’s patience, humility, and spiritual grounding. I admire his easygoing temperament and positive attitude. But mostly, I respect him for his integrity and caring nature. He is a good man, a loving husband, father and grandfather, and a loyal friend. I’ll really miss him around TMF,” Murdock continued.
Looking to the future, Loyless sees his retirement years as a time to discover new opportunities. “I’ll always be open to helping people explore their generosity in order to make difference,” said Loyless. He is currently living out his willingness to serve as chair of the First United Methodist Church Georgetown Foundation, and looks forward to launching a program this year to assist fellow members wanting to remember their church in their wills.
Loyless is planning an active retirement that satisfies his varied interests and penchant for learning. His “bucket list” includes painting, possibly a mural at his church in the children’s area, fishing, and traveling. He also looks forward to exploring opportunities for charitable work, adjunct college teaching and philanthropic consulting. “Whittling on the back porch is not my idea of retirement,” Loyless added. “I want to continue to help people further their charitable goals.”
And, of course, spending even more quality time with his wife Carol, their children and grandchildren ranks high on his retirement to do list. Most of all, he emphasized smiling widely, “I’m just going to continue to be happy!”