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One glad morning when this life is over, I’ll fly away.
To a home on God’s celestial shore, I’ll fly away.
In the morning when I die Hallelujah bye and bye, I’ll fly away…
Swiftly and silently, the obedient soul of Thomas Lee Daniels, Sr. entered into eternal rest on Thursday, February 18, 2021 at 10:47 a.m. at the Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center.
The Early Years
Thomas was born to the late Richard Joyner and late Mamie Lee Daniels on May 20, 1948. He was raised by his mother, the late Dorothy Seaborn Harris and late step father Edward Harris in Emporia, Virginia. He was preceded in death by his brother, Wayne Joyner and sisters, Esterine Wilson and Delores Lewis. His great grandmother took one look at him and affectionately declared his nickname “Bobby.” At an early age, he accepted Christ and was baptized at Saint Paul’s Church of God in Christ and later became a member of Greater Shiloh Baptist Church, both in Emporia, VA. He attended Greensville County Public Schools, was a member of the marching band, and was one of two male cheerleaders at Edward W. Wyatt High School. He graduated in 1968.
The Years of Measure
While in high school, he met a young college student named Ophelia Mae Powell, a native of Brunswick County, Virginia and they married in September 1967. Of that union, two children were born. Upon graduating high school, Bobby worked at several industrial plants to include Virginia Dye Company and Johns- Manville Corporation. In March 1975, he enlisted in the United States Airforce and was stationed at Seymore Johnson A.F.B., Goldsboro, NC. He proudly served his country and was honorably discharged in August, 1978. Upon returning home, Bobby cherished moments with his family and friends. He enjoyed playing card games, loved to dance, or simply sitting on a neighbor’s screened porch shooting the breeze. He truly embraced his retirement with ease. He was a giver who willfully shared with others, so much so, that he opened a tab at the small family-owned restaurant called “Emporia Grill.” If you were hungry, you could stop by, order a meal and put the cost on Bobby’s tab. His “tab” fed many children with food insecurities.
The Years of Grace
In the late 1990’s, Bobby relocated to Newport News, VA. It was during this time he became a member of New Beech Grove Baptist Church. He was a lively talker and delighted in biblical conversations with many New Beech Grove members. When his health deteriorated, he relocated to Richmond, VA and became a resident of the Community Living Center at Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center. It was there that he found joy in spite of his circumstances. He LOVED the staff and the staff LOVED him. Many affectionately called him by his whole name “Thomas Daniels”, “Tom Daniels”, or “TD.” However, dad preferred, “Mayor of the VA.” As the Hunter Holmes McGuire Staff Chaplain reflected, “Your father made a memorable impact on all us Chaplains. He could brighten any room with that smile of his; I, for one, will always treasure his vibrant spirit and good humor”.
Dear Lord and Father of mankind forgive our foolish ways
and purify thy service fine in deeper reverence praise.
Farewell Daddy…
Cherished Memories
Cherished memories will forever linger in the hearts of: his children, Melissa Daniels Moses (Earl) of Newport News, VA and Thomas Lee Daniels, Jr. (Beverly) of Midlothian, VA; his grandchildren, William Earl Moses, Jr, Anchorage, AK, Laurence Kimber Moses, Fairfax, VA, Ryan Christopher Moses, Langley VA, Nena Nicole Daniels, Justin Xavier Daniels, Mya Leandra Daniels and step-granddaughter, Tayler Alexis DeDeaux, all of Midlothian, VA; his step-mother, Irene Joyner, Kingstree, SC; paternal siblings, Elaine Harper (Kenneth) of Cambridge Heights, NY, Diamond (Eric) of Waco, TX, Cassandra Scott (Derek) of Florence, SC and Pamela Joyner of Elmont, NY; maternal siblings, Vernell Daniels, Dale Daniels, Betty Kee and Joyce Powell all of Emporia, VA and Leon Daniels (Gloria) Baltimore, MD; a brother-in-law, Moses Wilson, Kingstree, SC; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Relatives and Friends are encouraged to visit Mr. Daniels' tribute wall to share memories, extend condolences and to order floral tributes, as sentiments to the family.
The Management and Staff of Knox-High Mortuary, Inc. is privileged to provide
"Distinctive Services, With The Essence Of Excellence"
to the family of Mr. Thomas Lee Daniels, Sr.
We ask that you join us in remembering the family in both thought and prayer.
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