Willie Lane Daniel

With heartfelt sympathy, we announce the earthly transition of Willie Lane Daniel of Snellville, GA, formerly of Cedar Bluff, AL, who traded time for eternity on Sunday, August 25, 2024 at the age of 86. Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this trying time.

Mr. Willie Lane Daniel was born on September 24, 1937, in Gaylesville, Alabama, to Royce R. Daniel and Georgia Mae Turner Daniel. 

Mr. Daniel became a Christian at an early age and graduated with a high school diploma from the school District of Cherokee County. In 1954, at age 17, Willie Lane enlisted in the United States Armed Forces, Division of the Navy. During his Military Career, which spanned more than 30 years, he achieved the rank of Chief Petty Officer. He traveled all over the world and worked in Counter-Intelligence. He received his college degree while in the Navy. Willie Lane was trained as a Master Nuclear Power Plant Components Welder, Transmission Equipment Assembler, and as a Naval instructor in the California State Department of Education / United States Navy Academy’s Joint Education Program. CPO Willie Lane Daniel served his country with devout dedication and outstanding bravery exceeding what was expected of him, risking life and limb to benefit others. For His sacrifice he was awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Cuba), National Defence Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Captain Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal (4 times). He was a real-life Hero but always humble. 
CPO Willie Lane Daniel retired from the Navy in 2002 and remained an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Organization until is death.Willie Lane was the backbone of his family.

He selflessly shared the care of his mother with his brother Mayo, cherished being a “PawPaw” to the grandchildren, and truly enjoyed cooking big country meals, traveling and fixing and building things, but his greatest joy was being a husband to his “sweet” Darlene for 32 years.

Willie Lane was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Darlene Daniel; daughter, Wanda Daniel; parents, Royce Daniel and Georgia Mae Turner Williams; step-father, Nelson Williams; brothers, Roy Lee Daniel, Charlie Daniel, Jr., and Rickey Williams; sister, Wanetta Williams; former spouses, Hanna Jo Penn and Betty Boykin.

He leaves his precious memories with his children, Tammy Daniel, Phyllis Daniel, Kenneth (Joanna) Daniel, Dorothy Daniel Clifton, Lynn Bailey, Patricia Rivers Bailey, Tabitha (Gerald) Jones, Melanie (Mark) McGowan, Dennis McGowan, Jr.; grandchildren, Addison Daniel, Carlos Daniel, Michelle Daniel, Zakyrah Daniel, Michelle Wheeler, Breyona Rivers, Sequoia Rivers, Dakarai Rivers, Kafala Rivers, Neveah Nixon, Ethan McGowan, Damarian Trice, Caleb McGowan, Harmony Hines, Dallas Stewart, Jaden McGowan and Serenity McGowan; brother, Mayo (Mattie) Williams; sister, Leatha Rose Harp, and a large host of nephews, nieces, cousins, relatives and friends.

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