Bennie H Daniels

Bennie Daniels was born and raised in Abbeville, Alabama until he enlisted in the United States Navy where he earned the rank of Petty Officer. Bennie served his country five years and was stationed in San Diego, California and Seattle, Washington. After discharge, Bennie decided to stay in Seattle, where he happily resided until his death.

Bennie worked for the Tandy Leather Company for many years and then left there to work for United Airlines. With United, Bennie served as a reservationist and Union Rep, which was a fitting position for him and his love and care for people. It also fulfilled his gift of gab and boy, was Bennie a talker! Bennie retired from the Airlines in 2001 but stayed in close contact with his "United Family" until his health prevented him from attending reunions and other social events.

In the early 1970's, Bennie was invited to attend a political function and there, met one of the candidates. This candidate like what he observed and told Bennie he wanted him to meet his daughter. The two met and exchanged pleasantries and went their separate ways. A few months later, this woman stopped into Tandy Leather to purchase some art supplies for her daughters Camp Fire group. Who should be working behind the counter? Bennie Daniels! They recognized each other, but nothing more happened - at least, on the surface. Jackie had become smitten and found any excuse to go to Tandy Leather hoping to run into him again. After a few months, Bennie asked her out on a date and the rest is history. Jackie and Bennie became one, only to be separate by death. He loved her for 28 years and her daughter, who became his own.

Bennie not only was a social butterfly and flirt, he was a master chef. Asian cuisine was his specialty and he was known for his Bar-b-que sauce that he never allowed anyone to know the "secret" ingredients. Not even his daughter whom he had promised to give to her as her inheritance was privy to "magic" of this sauce.

When Bennie moved into a new apartment building after suffering significant ill health, he made sure that he was known and to know every person in the building. Even when he was in a nursing rehabilitation center, he knew all of the residents by name within a week and would wheel himself to every floor flirting with the ladies and talking sports and such with the fellas. At his last residence, Bennie served as one of the Presidents of the Residence Council. It was a unanimous vote by all of the neighbors.

It is true that Bennie never knew a stranger. He had a heart for people and would do anything he could to help them in whatever situation. He loved to laugh, watch TV, cook, socialize, and drive his daughter crazy. The world will be forever changed and altered because he spent time here on earth. Bennie has now returned to the Father to whom he rightfully belongs as well as his mother, father, siblings, and his beloved Jackie, who all proceeded him in death. He leaves behind his daughter, Tamara. He also leaves behind three sisters - Joyce, Yvonne, and Willie, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Bennie wanted for nothing. He lived and died under his own terms. He was happy and satisfied with his choices and experiences. Bennie LOVED his life partner, Jackie and simply put, he was one heck of a groovy guy.

Final internment will be in Abbeville, Alabama. In lieu of flowers, take the time to show kindness to someone. Listen to their story and share your heart with them. This is what Bennie did every day. Honor his life by paying it forward.

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