Michael Daniels
Michael Daniels, 95, passed away Sunday, Dec. 19, 2021.
Born in East Butler on Aug. 12, 1926, Michael was the son of the late John and Mary Kopie Daniels.
He was an avid baseball player growing up. He was offered a pitcher's position for a Major League team, but had to decline to stay home to support his family.He was drafted into the Korean War, was wounded in battle, and received a Purple Heart for his bravery and sacrifice to his country.He learned the trade of being a brick and block mason at the age of 12. He went on to work for the Bantam Car Company before going to war. Upon returning from war, he went back into his trade of masonry. He worked in East Butler for many years before moving to Florida. He owned his own construction company for many years before his first retirement. Michael's last retirement was from Volusia County schools. He worked at Spruce Creek Elementary School for almost 12 years of his tenure with the school system before his retirement.Following his retirement, Michael enjoyed working in the yard, and putzing around the house while spending time with his wife, kids and grandchildren.Michael married his lifelong partner, Dorothy “Dot” Clingensmith on Sept. 25, 1954. They had a double wedding with his younger brother, Andrew, and his wife, Betty Daniels. Dorothy preceded him in death on July 10, 2021. They were married 66 years.Michael was a devoted and beloved husband, father, grandfather “PoPo” and great-grandfather.He is survived by a son, Michael M. Daniels of Jupiter, Fla., a son, Ronald Daniels and his son, Austin, of Jupiter, Fla.; a daughter, Diane L. Riley and her husband, Mike; a son, Clinton and his wife, Brook, and their son, Logan; a daughter, Christie of Madison, Fla.; a son, Duane C. Daniels and his daughter, Brittany, and son, Garrett, of Apopka, Fla.; a daughter, Dr. Pamela Daniels and her son, John, of Ormond Beach, Fla.; and a brother, Andrew “Andy” Daniels and his wife, Betty, of Cabot.In addition to his wife and parents, Michael was preceded in death by his brother, Jeddy; his sisters Helen, Delores and Susan; as well as a daughter-in-law, his brothers-in-law, his sisters-in-law and a niece.DANIELS — A graveside service for Michael Daniels, who died Sunday, Dec. 19, 2021, will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2021, at Hemphill Cemetery, Chicora, and will be officiated by the Rev. Lou Pascazi, senior Parochial Vicar at St. Clare of Assisi Parish.Military honors will be accorded by the Chicora and Bradys Bend American Legion posts.Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hile Funeral Home of Chicora.Condolences may be sent by visiting www.hilefh.com.
