Daines M. Self Sr.

Daines M. Self, Sr., 92, passed away Wednesday February 18, 2015, following a massive heart attack. A celebration of Dan’s life will be held at The Masonic and Eastern Star Chapel located at 700 S. Holden Road, Greensboro, NC, Saturday, February 21, 2015 at 11:00. The family will visit with friends immediately following the service in the Fellowship Hall.

Dan was born October 3, 1922 in Birmingham, Alabama to the late Milton and Gertrude Self. During his four-years of U.S. Army service as a First Lieutenant, Dan proudly fought in World War II as a Member of the 554th Ordinance Core. Following his Honorable Discharge, Dan met and married the love of his life, Helen Crump, on May 6, 1944. Together, they raised two beautiful sons and, grateful for employment of 41 years with US Steel, the family moved to Spartanburg, SC and eventually to Greensboro, NC, where the Selfs nurtured a rich family life that consisted of a passion for golf and the sports-enriched lives of young boys. Together, the family touched many lives and exemplified the unconditional love of the family bond. Without question, Dan gave his sons the gifts of love, compassion and respect for people and animals, exceptional kindness and generosity, and most of all, a strong sense of right and wrong. As his teenage boys and their friends could attest, while their Dad was always fair, he never failed to command their ultimate respect.

As a member of West Market Street United Methodist Church since 1959, Dan’s faith in God was very strong. Teaching and attending Sunday School was especially rewarding and enjoyable for him and, as result, he and Helen formed many meaningful friendships. Nothing pleased him more than lunch with his friends at the K & W Cafeteria after church, always leaving church early to “beat the Baptists” from nearby First Baptist Church.

Another passion that Dan enjoyed with pride was that he was 32nd Degree member of the fraternal organization known as the Gate City Lodge #694 and the associated Scottish Rites. While, details of his membership with this organization are not known, Dan remained loyal and accepted his role with gratitude and service.

Dan will always be remembered for his famous sense of humor, wit and one-liners; his “Danisms” will be treasured and a part of our family forever. Up until the end, he was entertaining all who would listen with stories, observations, and his infinite wisdom. G-Daddy, as he was affectionately known as by his grandchildren, enjoyed nothing more than his family, often celebrating life with BBQ meals, only complete with his secret “Self Sauce”.

Perhaps the best example that characterized Dan’s compassionate nature was evidenced by his role as the primary care giver to his wife, Helen, as they both accepted the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease. Never to leave her side, he ensured she was stylishly dressed, hair coifed, and nails polished. Always holding hands, Dan beamed when in her presence and always treated her with love and the upmost respect, a gift he bestowed on his sons.

Those left in Dan’s immediate family to cherish his memory include his beloved wife of 71 years, Helen, also a resident of Whitestone, sons, Dan (wife, Carolyn) of Oak Ridge, NC and Ron (wife, Tanya), who reside in Greensboro; three grandchildren, Melanie Kindley, Matthew Self, and Courtney (Greg) Carter of Kennesaw, Georgia and, last but least, two great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation or to West Market Street United Methodist Church.