Francis Marion Daniel

Francis M. Daniel, 86, of Red Bank, Tennessee, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, went to be with his Savior on December 24, 2025. Francis was the epitome of a man of honor and trustworthiness.

Francis grew up in Walker County, Alabama, where he met the love of his life and wife of 60 years, Zelda Morrow Daniel. Together, Francis and Zelda exemplified a marriage of deep love, faith, and mutual devotion. They cherished time spent loving and laughing with their extended family and enjoyed traveling together over the years, making it a priority to see as much of the United States—and beyond—as possible.

Francis loved the outdoors and took great pride in working in his yard. He was an avid deer hunter and a devoted Alabama football fan, holding season tickets to all home games for many years.

Francis taught at Parrish High School in Walker County, Alabama before working in the University of Alabama network. He retired early from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa in 1979, where he served in Civil Defense and later in Continuing Education. That same year, he moved his family to Hixson, Tennessee, and began a career with the Tennessee Valley Authority, working in the Emergency Preparedness Department and serving as Nuclear Emergency Manager at his retirement.

A faithful servant, Francis was a longtime member of White Oak Baptist Church, where he held various roles of service beginning in 1985.

Francis was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Stella Daniel, and his four older siblings: Garvie Daniel, Margaret Weddle, Elbert Daniel, and Julian Daniel; and granddaughter, Grace Morrow Davis.

He is survived by his loving wife, Zelda Morrow Daniel; daughters Julie (Kent) Davis and Donna (Tommy) Penney; four grandchildren, Jessica (Max) Kuenzli, Tanner (McKenzie) Penney, Kendall (Ethan) Guinn, and Aubrey (fiancé Brandon Crawley) Penney; and three great-grandchildren, Tate, Truett, and Millie May. He is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Bonnie Morrow and Willa Dean Daniel, as well as several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 AM Monday December 29, 2025 at Chattanooga Funeral Home, North Chapel, 5401 Highway 153 in Hixson, with graveside service following at the adjacent Hamilton Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM Sunday, December 28, 2025 at the North Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites memorial donations to be made to Hearth Hospice of Chattanooga or the charity of your choice.

Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory, and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com