Mr. Daniel was born February 23, 1926 in Elberton, Georgia. He moved to LaGrange in 1932 and is a 1942 graduate of LaGrange High School. He attended Auburn University and during World War II, served as an aerial gunner in the U. S. Army Air Force on the B-29 bomber. He was discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant at the end of the war.
Following his discharge from service, he was employed with Callaway Mills Company from 1946 through 1948. He was an agent and staff manager of Life Insurance Company of Georgia from 1948 until 1954 when he established his own firm, Daniel Insurance Agency. In 1956 he also entered the real estate brokerage business and changed the name to Daniel Realty & Insurance Agency, Inc. where he served as President and CEO until 1990.
He was past president of the LaGrange Jaycees, LaGrange Chamber of Commerce and the LaGrange Real Estate Board. He also served as Chairman of the Troup County Board of Assessors and served on the Board of Deacons of the First Baptist Church where he remained a member until his death. He was a past member of the Troup County Cattlemen’s Association and past Director of The Peoples Bank of LaGrange later the SunTrust Bank.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Olga Gore Daniel.
Survivors include one sister, Vivian Mathis of Atlanta, GA, one sister in law, Polly Bryant of Louisville, KY, his two sons and daughter in laws, James A. Daniel, Jr., and Linda D. Daniel of LaGrange, and George G. Daniel and Jennifer L. Daniel of LaGrange; grandchildren James A. Daniel, III and wife Jaime of LaGrange, Bethany Daniel Brown and husband Rod Brown of Acworth, Brett B. Daniel of LaGrange, and Julie Daniel of Atlanta, four step grandchildren, Rob and Lori Alexander of Jefferson, GA., Aimee and Charlie Lassor of Charleston, SC, Ryan Alexander of Charleston, SC, and Drew Alexander of LaGrange and two step great grandchildren, Jack and Denton Alexander of Jefferson, GA., and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Friday, October 15, 2010 at the First Baptist Church on the Square with Dr. Paul Baxter and Reverend Paul Blair officiating. Burial will follow in Shadowlawn Cemetery.
The family will be at the home of Mr. and Mrs. James A. Daniel, Jr., 108 Woodchase, LaGrange, GA., and will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday, evening, October 14, 2010 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Flowers will be accepted or contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church, 100 Broad Street, LaGrange, GA 30240 or the Georgia Sheriff’s Youth Homes Pineland Campus, 2040 Youngs Mill Road, LaGrange, GA 30241 in memory of James A. Daniel, Sr.
Arrangements are by Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 1010 Mooty Bridge Road, LaGrange, GA 30240 (706) 884-8636 www.shlagrange.com
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