Rayford Daniels

Rayford Wiseman Daniels, 92, of 2849 Westover Drive, Danville, VA, died Tuesday, February 18th, 2014 at Danville Regional Medical Center. Born May 1, 1921 in Pittsylvania County, he was the son of the late Harry Rayford Daniels and Tera Bartee Daniels. He was also predeceased by his daughter, Beth Jane Daniels Fuquay, two brothers, Herbert Langston Daniels and Douglas Harry Daniels, Sr., and six sisters, Edith Daniels Carter, Margaret Daniels Turpin, Mamie Daniels Mansfield, Ora Daniels Setliff, Dorothy Daniels Setliff and Rebecca Daniels Willis. He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Ruth Basham Daniels, his daughter, Patricia Daniels Ware and husband, Wray, his son-in-law, James Harvey Fuquay, Jr., and his sister, Jean Daniels Setliff, all of Danville, VA. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Daniel Wray Ware and wife, Elizabeth of Danville, Danielle Ware Dana and husband, Stephen of Southern Pines, NC, James Harvey Fuquay, III, of Dry Fork, VA, and Jane Margaret Fuquay of Richmond, VA, three great-grandchildren, Colston Daniel Ware, Lauren Elizabeth Ware and Paul Ware Dana, and numerous brothers and sisters in-law, nieces and nephews. Mr. Daniels retired from Continental Virginia Trailways as a bus operator in 1976 after 33 years of service. Upon retirement, he was presented the Trailways Safety Award, recognizing him for his outstanding performance. From 1943 to 1976, he never missed a day of work, never had a preventable accident, averaged nearly 5300 miles per month, totaling over 2 million accident-free miles. After retiring from Trailways, Mr. Daniels worked for Townes Funeral Home. Mr. Daniels loved his church and community and gave of himself unconditionally. He was a member of the Masonic Fraternity of Morotock Lodge No. 0210 for 61 years and a 32nd degree Mason in the Danville Scottish Rite. He was a life member of the Danville Life Saving Crew for over 40 years. He served on the Board of the Westover Hills Community Center. He was a devoted member of Woodlawn Baptist Church for over 70 years. His retirement years were spent renovating his beloved cabin and making precious memories for his family at Wildwood Lake in Caswell County, NC. He also served on the board of the Wildwood Lake Fishing Club for many years. Mr. Daniels had a love for music, particularly Bluegrass Gospel and was a member of the Raymond Crane Volunteer Band where he played the harmonica. He enjoyed performing with his band for many years and passed on his love of music to his grandsons. He was a kind and gentle man who loved his family and The Lord. He always greeted everyone with a warm wide smile and loved to laugh. He was known for his famous stories and funny jokes. The funeral service will be held at Woodlawn Baptist Church, on Saturday,February 22, at 2:00 p.m. Interment will be held following the service at Mountain View Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the home, 2849 Westover Drive. The family requests that memorials be made to The Danville Life Saving Crew, 202 Christopher Lane, Danville, VA 24541 or Woodlawn Baptist Church,2500 Westover Drive, Danville, VA 24541.