Ollie Dantin, age 82, passed away at home on January 4, 2026. Born and raised in Galveston, Texas, Ollie lived a full life shaped by the things he loved most, on the island he loved and called home. From an early age, he found his passion in motors and machines and carried that with him his entire life.

A skilled mechanic, Ollie spent his years building, fixing, and racing cars. He loved the sights, sounds, and speed of the track—whether it was round-and-round dirt racing, drag racing, or, in his younger years, racing motorcycles. He built and modified countless cars and trucks over the years and even took part in a Destruction Derby in the Houston Astrodome.

Ollie was steadfast and free-spirited, living life by his own rules. He was a straight shooter and a natural storyteller, never short on stories—and boy, did he have some good ones. Most were told sitting around the island's coffee shops and bars, shooting the breeze with the other regulars.

Over the years, he wore many hats, as a car mechanic, a boat mechanic, a welder, and a wrecker driver. His final job was transporting the deceased, a role he truly loved and took great pride in.

He is survived by his daughters, Rita and Andrea; his grandchildren, Amanda, Miranda, and Julia; and his great-grandchildren, Owen and McKenzie. He is also survived by his siblings, Trish and Jimmy. He is preceded in death by his parents Edwin and Carole; and siblings Bobby, Delis, Donald, Edith, and Josephine.

Ollie will be remembered for his love of cars, his strong work ethic, his stories, and for living life at 100 miles per hour—always on his own terms. He will be deeply missed.