Michael Daniels, 95, passed away Sunday, December 19, 2021.
Born in East Butler on August 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 worked for 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 September 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, Florida, a son, Ronald Daniels and his son, Austin, of Jupiter, Florida, 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, Florida, a son, Duane C. Daniels and his daughter, Brittany and son, Garrett of Apopka, Florida, and daughter, Dr. Pamela Daniels and her son John, of Ormond Beach, Florida; 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, and sisters Helen, Delores and Susan, as well as a daughter-in-law, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and a niece.
A graveside service officiated by the Rev. Lou Pascazi, Senior Parochial Vicar at St. Clare of Assisi Parish will be held Tuesday, December 28 at 1 p.m. at Hemphill Cemetery, Chicora. Military honors will be accorded by the Chicora and Brady’s 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.
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