Daniel attended the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, obtaining a Business Degree. It was here that he met his wife, Laura Earnest, to whom he was married for 51 years.
Daniel will be remembered as a wonderful father and husband with a loving, gentle spirit. He had an amazing sense of humor and loved being with his family, especially his four beloved grandchildren. He was an avid reader, world traveler, and lover of music. He enjoyed a good golf game.
Daniel had a 25-year career with BellSouth Services, taking an early retirement at 50 years of age. His greatest pride, however, was rooted in his military service. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. Later, in 1986, he joined the Alabama Air National Guard, flying RF-4 and KC135 aircrafts as a navigator. He retired a Lieutenant Colonel.
Daniel was predeceased by his parents, Ruth and Walter Leatherwood. Survivors include Daniel's wife, Laura; two daughters, Loren Cline (Keith Cline) of Seattle, WA, and Erin Dunavant (Joy Dunavant) of Franklin, TN; four grandchildren, Ava Cline, Emma Cline, Daniel Dunavant, and Ruby Dunavant; one sister, Kay York; one brother, David Leatherwood; and many wonderful nieces and nephews.
The family is eternally grateful to the caregivers who provided comfort to Daniel in his last years: Rhonda McCord, Tammy Connor, LaJanae Sneed, Teresa Perry, Felicia Patterson, and Kathy Domingue.
The graveside service will be at 10 a.m. on Monday, August 5, 2019 at Chuckey United Methodist Church Cemetery in Chuckey, TN.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
DONATIONS
The Michael J. Fox Foundation
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18