Leonard Smith Daniel

Leonard Smith Daniel, was born on March 22, 1930, in Mecklenburg County, Virginia. He was the son of Willie Rufus and Virginia Parrish Daniel. He was one of ten children: six boys, Emmet, Edward, Willie, Frankie and Loney, his beloved twin brother and four girls, Nellie, Omega, Mattie and Ellen. All have preceded him in death except Frankie (Shirley) and Loney (Carol). His father was a share cropper and was considered a good farmer and a hard worker. He grew tobacco, corn and soybeans. He was given many opportunities through an entrepreneur, Fred Watkins. At nineteen years of age, Leonard pursued his dream of traveling around the world by joining the U.S. Navy. He served in the Navy from 1949-1953. During this time he served as a Boiler Technician Class B, on the USS Worcester (CL 144). The Worcester class anti aircraft cruisers were the ultimate light cruisers. The USS Worcester (CL 144) was commissioned on June 26, 1948, approximately one year before he joined the Navy. Anyone who knew Leonard had heard about his travel around the world, visiting places such as Gilraltar, the French Riviera, Lisbon, Cannes, Nice, Rome, Naples and Sicily. He often remarked that his service in the Navy was equivalent to a college degree. The finale to this Korean Veteran experience was being nominated for the Honor Flight. In 2019, he and I spent three days in Washington, DC. One of the highlights was his sharing with tourists his experiences in the Korean War and his great love for his country. Leonard became an employee of Mobil Corporation, American petroleum and chemical company that joined with Exxon in 1999, to form Exxon Mobil. He was quickly promoted to Superintendent of the Richmond location. Following an early retirement, he expanded his entrepreneurial spirit by becoming a partner in the development of Fastop Convenience Store located in New Kent Co., Virginia. During this period he met his true love, Elaine Hughes. The marriage was made in Heaven and the words repeated, "Till death do us part", were played out in her personal and loving care of him for five years and nine months. Together they enjoyed a beautiful marriage with Elaine's children, Ron Hughes (Karen) and Jennifer Trainham (Tim). Travel to Maryland to visit relatives and to Assateague, Myrtle Beach, Nags Head, Sedona, Arizona, Alaska and Yellowstone, were the highlights. Together, Leonard and Elaine built a convenience store, restaurant, and ice cream shop. Country Crossroads Convenient Store located in Waverly, VA. It soon became known for country cooking, ice cream cones with homemade cones and its delicious Henny Penny fried chicken. "Don't give up the ship" was a mantra over the last five years and nine months, as he battled the effects of a major stroke, an aneurysm of the descending aorta, a fractured hip, and the loss of the ability to eat and drink. Never once did he utter, "Why me?" Leonard was a strong and courageous Christian. He will long be remembered for his sense of humor. He was my hero and a hero to so many people. He will be remembered and loved forever. Leonard transferred his church membership to Corinth United Methodist Church in 1984. He attended Sunday School and Church regularly. He was an active member if the Men's Group. Leonard was a believer- knowing we would meet again. My heart is full of love! Beside those mentioned above, he is survived by his grandchildren: Tracey Avetisyan (Tigran), Samantha Scott (George), Jake Hughes and Jesse Hughes, and great-granddaughter, Lora. He is also survived by a host of loving members of the Daniel family. Until we meet again! Elaine