Garnett Lee Daniel, Jr., 91, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather passed away Saturday, May 12, 2018. Lee, known as “Boo” in his youth, was born July 31, 1926 in Athens, Georgia, son of Olief Wingfield Daniel and Garnett Lee Daniel of Athens. He graduated from Athens High School, Class of 1943. After his freshman year at the University of Georgia he was drafted into the Army at age 18. After training at Camp Wheeler near Macon, Georgia, Lee joined the 10th Armored Division serving in France, Austria and Germany. After returning from the war, he graduated from the University of Georgia in the class of 1950 and was a life-long dedicated Bulldog fan and a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. He married the love of his life, Virginia Adair Kay of Byron, GA on August 31, 1951, to whom he was married for 67 years. The greatest achievements in Lee’s life were his family and home. He is survived by his wife Virginia, four daughters Debbie Thompson (Jim) of Decatur, Susan Cooper (Bob) of Athens, Ginny Leigh Powers (Tim) of Atlanta and Peggy Wright (Scotland) of Atlanta; ten grandchildren Ginny Blair, Emma, Sam, Sarah, Nora (Doug), Ethan, Daniel, Xandy, Handley (Blake) and Land; and three great grandchildren Leo, Scottie, and Mary. To his grandchildren, he was affectionately known as their “Daddy D”.

Lee had a 36 year career with Interlake Steel Corporation retiring in 1986 as Southern Regional Manager. His career took the Daniel family to Orlando, FL, Greenville, SC and Atlanta, GA. He and Virginia retired to the beloved home his parents built on the creek in Athens. Lee was a man of faith and a member of Peachtree Road United Methodist Church in Atlanta and First United Methodist Church in Athens. He was an avid golfer and member of the Athens Country Club.

The family would like to thank the dedicated staff at Arbor Terrace in Athens for their caring assistance. A Graveside Service will be held Sunday, May 20th at the Oconee Hill Cemetery (297 Cemetery Street, Athens, GA 30605) at 2:00pm followed by a reception at the Sexton’s House at the same location. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the “Trustees of Oconee Hill Cemetery” and mailed to P.O. Box 49200 Athens, GA 30606.

Memorial arrangements by Lord & Stephens, WEST, Watkinsville,