John Russell Daniels

John Russell Daniels 83, of Nashville passed away on Monday, March 9, 2020. John was born on August 18, 1936 in Petersburg, VA, the son of Roy Russell and Martha Ione Daniels. He married Frances Arms in 1963, and they spent 34 wonderful years together before she passed away in 1998. Also preceding John in death is his infant brother, Alan Daniels; and brothers Melvin R. and Robin E. Daniels.

Surviving are his seven children, Tera Marie Daniels of Nashville, HL (Kim) Daniels of Nashville, Doris Ann (Ronnie) Pruitt of Dickson, Vincent C. (Gina) Daniels of Scottsdale, AZ, Kristin R. (Kendall) Baker of Joelton, Twana (Mark) Starnes of Clarksville, and Jan McGarth of VA; one step-son, Richard Minnick of Nolensville; his dearest friends, Maggie and Mable; grandchildren, Laura, Loretta, Korin, Karmen, Aubrie, Dane, Jessica, Russell, Ronnie Joe, Hope, Gray, Brandon and Daniele; step-grandchildren, Jacob, Richie, and James; 20 great-grandchildren; siblings, Helen Anne Moore, Louise Tutino, Denise Strickland, and Billy Dance; and his beloved cat, Felix.

Johnny Daniels is the title he lovingly held and went by on his syndicated cable show “Johnny Daniels Blue Grass Show” running for over 18 years, and giving him the opportunity to meet and play with 100’s of Bluegrass musicians. At the young age of 12, he taught himself how to play guitar, and at 14 he taught himself the fiddle. The fiddle became his true love, and this ultimately started his love for Bluegrass music. Johnny was well known for his ability to learn by ear alone, and for easily picking up any tune. He won many fiddle contests over the years. He truly hoped that one day one of his children would acquire his love for string instruments, and that they would become a great musician like himself. Although none of his children had this true love for music, a few of his grandchildren do.

Not only was Johnny a well-known and talented musician, he was also a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. He was proud of every one of his children and grandchildren. He was a true gentleman and he always had a deep love for his wife, Frances. He was a true friend to many and a dedicated hard-worker. He loved to joke, laugh and prank others. When he wasn’t pulling pranks, you could find him excited to watch ‘Smack Down’ wrestling or reruns of The Three Stooges.

Johnny was loved, and he will be forever missed.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2020 from twelve thirty until two thirty in the afternoon at Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will follow the gathering at two thirty in Woodlawn’s Dignity Hall. Entombment will be in the Cross Mausoleum in Woodlawn Memorial Park.