Kenneth Leon Daniel

Kenneth Leon Daniel                             January 17, 2025 Kenneth Leon Daniel was born October 30, 1932 in Portsmouth, Virginia and died January 17, 2025 at Heritage Inn in Charlottesville, Virginia at the age of 92. He was the last survivor of twelve children born to Claude Charles and Willie Hutchens Daniel. 
 Ken is survived by his wife of 68 years, Betsy Berry Daniel and son, Kenneth ”Kent” L. Daniel, Jr. (Garlene). He was predeceased by two sons; Gregory Lynn in February, 2021 and Barton Neal in July 2024. Survivors include Greg’s wife, Vicki Young and Barton’s former wife, Patty Adkins and beloved companion, Anne Parker; five grandchildren include Whitney D. Backus (Sean), Barton N. Daniel, Jr. (Maca), Kenneth L. Daniel III (Becca), Jacqueline Daniel, SSG Ell Daniel; three great grandchildren, Robert Leon Backus, Hope Melody Backus and Kenneth L. Daniel IV; In-laws include Bill and Joan B. Hager and Charles K. and Shirley Berry; and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives. 

Ken was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School in Portsmouth where his basketball career began and continued as he achieved a Bachelor Degree in Business at University of Richmond. After college and marriage, he served two years in U.S. Army at Ft. Gordon, Georgia before returning to Central Virginia. His career included various sales positions including partnership with Bill Hager in Crafton & Sparks Clothing Store, then commercial and real estate. He was most nostalgic about his four years on the winning basketball team of Coach Les Hooker at U.R. 1952-56, and returned there for Alumni games for many years. He still holds two records as most rebounds in a career and a single game. He was an active member of several churches through the years including Culpeper Baptist, West Lynchburg Baptist, Second Baptist of Richmond and Orange Baptist serving as Deacon and Sunday School teacher. Memorial gifts may be made to the Pavilion Fund at Orange Baptist Church.

Memorial Service will be held at 11 AM, February 1, 2025 at Orange Baptist Church.