William Penn Daniel Jr.

William P. Daniel Jr., known to his family and friends as Bill, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2026 at the age of 87 after battles with Alzheimer’s Disease and Colon Cancer. Born in Rome, GA on February 18, 1939 to William Penn Daniel, Sr. and Gladys Wheeler Daniel, Bill was raised in Nashville, Tennessee attending Hillsboro High School and Vanderbilt University. He graduated in 1962 and was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Air Force, serving in the Philippines and Taiwan (Formosa). Bill was discharged and pursued a successful career as a Civil Engineer and Project manager with numerous large corporations across the South.

After early retirement, Bill achieved a lifetime dream attending Law School at the University of Florida, and practicing law a number years in Jacksonville, FL. He enjoyed watching College Football, particularly the Florida Gators and Vanderbilt Commodores, as well as the Atlanta Braves.

Bill’s first great love was his wife, Linda Janet Tibbetts, whom he married on Nov. 11, 1962 and survives him. Together they raised two sons, William Harrison Daniel, (Patricia) of Palm Coast, FL, and James Hunt Daniel (Kelly Coker-Daniel) of Jacksonville, FL, who survive him. Bill cherished his three Grandchildren, William Aaron Daniel (Stephanie) of Miami, FL, Chelsea Noelle Daniel (Brian Carroll) of Brooklyn, NY, and Madeline Mary Daniel of Atlanta, GA, all of whom survive him. His surviving two Great Grandchildren were shining lights in his later life, William Capshaw Daniel, and George Armistead Daniel.

Bill’s deep love for God was lived out in every arena and relationship of his life. A lifelong United Methodist, he served Christ and his community through his church, teaching Sunday School, serving on Administrative Boards, and touching countless lives. If Bill knew you—family or friend—his love was unconditional. He never met a stranger at the door of the church, or in his home, that he didn’t welcome warmly with his graceful kindness. When he met someone at church or in the community, from the janitor to the president of the company, he wrote their name down in his red book, and never missed an opportunity to share kindness and his faith to them. Bill Daniel put God first, prided himself most on his marriage and family, and served others joyfully as the priorities of his life. He gave more than he took, and made his family and friends the richer for knowing him.