Lt Col Ronald Daniel, age seventy, died on March 25, 2018, at his home in Watkinsville, Georgia, surrounded by his family. He fought a long and courageous battle against side effects of Parkinson's Disease for the past five years. Lt Col Daniel, the son of the late Leo Franklin Daniel and Charlene Sanders Daniel, grew up in Athens, Georgia, and graduated from Athens High School in 1966. He was also a proud graduate of the University of Georgia, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Banking and Finance, and he later earned a Master’s degree in Hospital Administration.
Col Daniel is survived by his wife of 49 1/2 years, Carolyn Moore Daniel of Athens, Georgia. He is also survived by four sons and three daughters-in law: Ron Daniel, Jr., of Charleston, SC; Robert Brittain Daniel, Sr., and Robin Daniel of Jefferson, GA; John Franklin Daniel and Sarah Daniel of Summerville, SC; and Benjamin Reed Daniel and Ginger Daniel of Watkinsville, GA. Additional survivors include eight grandchildren: Garrett Brittain Daniel, Amanda Carolyn Daniel, Morgan Elizabeth Daniel, Robert Brittain Daniel, Jr., Joshua Liam Daniel, Sam Brady Daniel, Emma Grace Daniel, and Luke Carson Daniel. Being a father and a grandfather brought Ron some of his greatest joys. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Mrs. Robert Bird Moore, Sr., his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Robert (Rocky) and Sissy Moore, his sister-in-law, Elise Pinyan, five nieces, and two nephews.
After Col Daniel graduated from college in 1970, the war in Southeast Asia was still raging on, and Ron made the decision to join the United States Air Force in order to fulfill his duty to his country. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant through the Officer Training School at Lackland Air Force Base and remained on active duty and on flying status for twenty-three years serving his country with distinction. After completing Air Force Basic Training, he attended navigator training in California, flight training for the F-4 fighter jet and, later, the C-141 Cargo airplane. Ron accumulated over 6,000 flying hours in the Air Force and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, Combat Readiness Awards, and helped to support every major contingency of the USAF. He was recognized for his contributions to humanitarian service when he and his crew members provided humanitarian aid all over the globe as the wing at Charleston Air Force Base was often called upon when there were emergencies in the world. Ron was not only an aviator instructor but also a mentor, leader, and role model for others. The many friendships made were especially treasured by Ron and Carolyn.
When stationed in Knoxville, Tennessee, he served as a professor in the ROTC program and was awarded the University of Tennessee Chancellor's Citation for his work to support the local community. When stationed in South Korea, his squadron served as a reminder that the United States was committed to protecting democracy in the region. Ron was highly respected by those with whom he served. He attended both Air Command and Staff School at Maxwell AFB in Montgomery, Alabama, and the National War College. Before his retirement in 1993, he served in support of Operation Desert Storm in his role as Executive Officer to the Director of Operations.
Ron referred to his time in the Air Force as “golden.” He felt especially proud that he was a small part of the contingency who flew dozens of sorties to extract civilians and orphans from South Vietnam just prior to our country's withdrawal. He shared stories about his experiences in flying US Embassy Support and White House Support for Presidents Ford, Carter, and George H.W. Bush. Some of his fondest memories included attending a reception hosted by the Shah of Iran and another event with secret service agents at Aswan Dam when President Carter was traveling between Israel and Egypt to broker peace. Ron loved to share stories about his adventures and among his most memorable experiences were getting to fly the F-4 inverted over Mt Fuji while making photographs and watching giant sea turtles lay their eggs at midnight on Ascension Island in the mid-Atlantic.
After his first career came to an end, Ron chose to pursue a second career in teaching. He knew his own Athens High School teachers never would have believed it, but he enjoyed fourteen years of teaching computer applications to high school students in Summerville, South Carolina.
Ron and his family had the opportunity to travel and live in many places. Spending time with his four sons camping in the Smoky Mountains, boating in the Ashley River, and crabbing at St. Simons Island provided the family with countless wonderful memories. As Ron reflected on his life, he concluded that it had indeed been a great adventure, and he loved the ride.
Ron's family would like to extend their appreciation to his nurse, Mary Strickland, and to Felicia Johnson with Compassionate Care Hospice who helped care for him in his final weeks.
A celebration of his life will be held in the chapel at Athens First United Methodist Church at 11:00 A.M. on March 28, 2018, following his interment in Oconee Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Vincent J. Dooley Marching Band Scholarship to help aspiring musicians. Checks should be made payable to the “UGA Foundation” with a memo note of “Dooley Band Scholarship” and sent to the UGA Foundation at 394 S. Milledge Avenue, Athens, GA 30602.
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