LOUISVILLE, Ky. (BP)–Chauncey R. Daley, editor emeritus of the Kentucky Baptist Western Recorder, died Oct. 18 in Louisville at age 81.
Daley was considered the “dean” of state Baptist paper editors at the time of his retirement in 1984. He served as editor of the Western Recorder 27 years, from 1957-84.
Daley was known in Baptist circles for his forceful, straightforward editorials on subjects ranging from civil rights to convention controversy. In his inaugural editorial, Daley wrote, “I can only promise that whatever is said will be honest, sincere and personal convictions. Truth in reporting and sincerity in interpretation of events will be my guiding principle whatever the costs.”
During a banquet last year honoring Daley, his son Gil noted that Daley “never minced words” as a preacher, teacher or editorialist. “His philosophy was always to give Baptists all the facts and let them make up their own minds.”
“Daley Observations: The Best of C.R. Daley’s Western Recorder Editorials” was published in 1998 by Providence House Publishers. The book, edited by A.B. Colvin and Mark Wingfield, was published in honor of Daley’s contributions to Southern Baptist journalism.
“The legacy of the Daley years with the Western Recorder is rich, and it is a resource from which we all continue to benefit,” Wingfield wrote in the book’s forward. Wingfield, also a former editor of the Western Recorder, is managing editor of the Texas Baptist Standard.
“Kentucky Baptists and Southern Baptists have lost a treasure with the death of Dr. Daley,” said Western Recorder editor Trennis Henderson. “I am thankful that his written words remain available to challenge and encourage future generations.”
Daley, a native of Georgia, was a graduate of Mercer University in Macon, Ga., and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville. He was pastor of Harrodsburg Baptist Church and professor of Greek, Latin, Old Testament and philosophy at Georgetown College before becoming editor of the Western Recorder.
He is survived by his wife, Christine, and four sons: Gil, Mike, Dale and Phil.
Memorial gifts may be made to the C.R. and Christine Daley Endowment Fund through the Western Recorder, P.O. Box 43969, Louisville, KY 40253. Funeral arrangements are pending.
