Donald Daniels
The Reverend Donald J. Daniels, Sr. made his transition to his heavenly home on Monday, November 30, 2020. He was the son of the late Mr. Otto G. Daniels and Mrs. Vernal J. Daniels of Dayton, Tennessee.
Reverend Daniels attended school eight years in Dayton and transferred to Morristown High School and lived in the dormitory four years. He graduated in 1953, but enjoyed visiting the school and the Reunions of the Ages for many years.
He entered Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, and met his future wife of 63 years across the street at Spelman College.
He was drafted into the United States Army in 1958 and was honorably discharged in 1960. He graduated from Alabama A&M College and was hired as a mathematics teacher in Cleveland. Upon returning to Chattanooga, he was the youth director at the James A. Henry YMCA for five years. He was a Human Service employee six years. He was the director of the Community Action Agency located in the South Area of Chattanooga. He also served as manager of Outreach and Recruitment within the Chattanooga Concentrated Employment Program.
Reverend Daniels was a member of Wiley United Methodist Church before being employed by the Holston Conference. He received a master’s degree from the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia, and pastored in five cities before retiring from John Wesley United Methodist Church in Bristol, Va.
He was an avid bowler for over 50 years and enjoyed being with his Holy Rollers teammates. He was a Kiwanis Club member and had other memberships in organizations.
He truly loved the Lord and was devoted to his family. Reverend Daniels was jovial, loved people, never met a stranger, and was always willing to help others. He often recalled the days of being in his father’s restaurant in Dayton, Tennessee, as well as the love of his mother. He was full of love and always ready to share a big smile and hug. His warm and loving spirit will be missed.
Reverend Daniels was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Shelly Daniels.
He is survived by his wife, Madelyn; sons, Donald, Sean, and John (Nicole) Daniels; grandchildren, Aubrey, Sydney, Chase, and Jordyn Daniels; niece, Natasha Daniels; godson, Issa “Ali” Walker; goddaughters, Aiysha Walker, and Angela Burris; shared sons, C.J. Hampton, Carles Bell, Andre Davis, Angelo Burris, Joel (Joey) Pursley, Garen (Gary) Wilcox, and Lee Jones; cousins, Patricia Horton, Raymond (Deborah) Daniels, Deborah (Walter) Lattner, Mina McKenzie, Byron (Donna) McKenzie; Ronnie, Tony, Gerald, and Darlene; brother-in-law, Dr. Telezee (Sandy) Foster, sisters-in-law, Mrs. Ernestine Daniels, Mrs. Gloria Inabinette, Miss Rosmaree Foster, and Mrs. Thelma Foster; and a host of dear relatives and friends.
A public viewing will be held at 2-6 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 15, at the funeral home.
Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. at Bethlehem-Wiley United Methodist Church, Wednesday, Dec, 16. Interment will be in Chattanooga National Cemetery.
Arrangements are by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave,, 423 622-9995.