Harvey Coach D Gene Daniels Jr.

Harvey Gene Daniels, Jr., a devoted husband, father, teacher, coach, and friend went home to be with the Lord on April 13, 2011. Gene was born December 16, 1963 in Nash County, NC. He graduated from Broughton High School in Raleigh in 1982 and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from Appalachian State University in 1986. “Coach D” began his teaching career in Wake County Public Schools in 1988. He spent 14 years as the Physical Education teacher at Penny Road Elementary, where he received Teacher of the Year honors in 2002. In 2004, Gene moved to Salem Middle School, taking on the responsibilities of Athletic Director, Physical Education Teacher, and Girls’ soccer coach. He received the Wake County Schools Employee Excellence Award in 2005.

Gene loved his students and athletes and dedicated his efforts to developing a stellar athletic program. Coach D was head coach of the JV Girls’ soccer team at Apex High School for many years and helped assist on the Varsity team as well. He was involved in the Apex High soccer program for 20 years.

One of Gene’s favorite pastimes was attending NC State Wolfpack games with his family.

Coach D will be most remembered for his tireless energy, unbelievable work ethic, his servant’s heart, and for how much he loved his family. Gene’s positive influence on students, athletes, parents, colleagues, and friends will live on in their hearts as the years go by. We are all better people for having our lives touched by Coach D.

Gene is survived by his wife Pam, his son Trey, and daughter Adison as well as his mother, Joan Daniels, and his sister, Denese Daniels.

Services will be held on Sunday, April 17, 2011 at Apex Baptist Church on Salem Street in Apex. The family will receive friends from 1:00-3:00 in the fellowship hall with the service to follow in the sanctuary. There will also be a graveside memorial service at Wake Memorial Park on Green Hope School Road in Cary, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to: Family of Gene Daniels, SECU, P.O. Box 1449, Apex, NC 27502-1449