Willie Oliver Daniel

Willie “Oliver” Daniel was born February 20, 1955 to the union of Emery Preston Daniel Sr., and Marie Woodley Daniel in Indianapolis, IN. He was the second of four sons raised in the Daniel household. He was called by his middle name (“Oliver”) by family and friends, and it is a mystery as to why. It was not until he became older and left the household, that he “reclaimed” his name and would introduce himself to friends as “Willie D.”

Willie, out of curiosity, consumed a toxin while playing in the yard of a relative around the age of three that left him with cognitive challenges growing up. He attended Crossroads (now known as Easterseals Crossroads), and Noble. These are organizations that help persons who are differently abled learn skills for independent living. He also attended Harry E. Wood High School.

Willie was a “free spirit” who loved his family, eating, music, women and loved having a good time. His smile captivated all who were blessed to be in his presence. He grew up attending Emmanuel Baptist Church under the pastorate of the late Rev. Frank R. Hatcher, where his family was very active. He had a giving spirit and would literally give you the shirt off his back, which would frustrate his father. Having possessions did not mean a lot to Willie.

Willie was struck by a vehicle on 25th & Gale (Indianapolis) in a hit-and-run accident in December 2002. He remained in a coma for several days. Willie sustained two broken legs and suffered a traumatic brain injury. This injury left him restricted to a wheelchair and impacted his ability to talk and care for his basic needs; however, his injuries still did not rob him of his mega-watt grin! Willie has been a resident of St. Vincent New Hope of Indiana’s assisted living facility on the northeast side of Indianapolis for the last nineteen years.

January of 2024 started off with increasing health challenges for Willie which led to three hospitalizations. On February 10, Willie communicated to his brother (Darrell) that he was “tired.” He died peacefully at Community East Hospital the early hours of February 11, 2024 after a two-day admission. Willie’s father and mother preceded him in death.

Willie leaves to cherish his memory three brothers: Emery (Gwen) Daniel Jr., Darrell (Michelle) Daniel, Andre Daniel, Emery III (nephew), Earah (D’Juan) Harris, Twannette Harrington, Tovia Allen (nieces), Paulette Daniel (who he always called “Sister-in Law”), Doris Kendrick, LeVon (David Sr.) Highbaugh, Christine Hill, Berniece Williams (aunts), four grandnieces, one great grandniece, two grandnephews, a host of cousins, and his Emmanuel Baptist Church and St. Vincent New Hope of Indiana families.

A visitation for Willie will be held Wednesday, February 21, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church, 4958 Ribble Road, Indianapolis, IN, followed by a celebration of life at 12:00 PM.