Edsel Lionel Daniel

Mr. Edsel L. Daniel, age 80 of 1225 Center Grove Church Rd., Moncure, NC transitioned into eternal rest on Tuesday, March 10, 2020, at Duke Hock Pavilion Center in Durham, NC.

Edsel was born and raised in Riegelwood, NC to the late Alexander Daniel and Alma Simpson Daniel. He was born fifth of seven children. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Erwin and Vernon Daniel.

After completing his formal education in Riegelwood, Edsel earned his undergraduate degree in Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Education from Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, Alabama and his Master’s Degree in Agricultural Education from North Carolina Agricultural
and Technical State University in Greensboro, NC.

In 1965, Edsel married Virginia Crittenden before they moved to Pittsboro, NC to begin their teaching careers and family, and they had one son Caswell. His church home was Mitchell Chapel AME Zion Church, where he served faithfully until his death and had memberships on the Trustee Board, Steward Board, Sanctuary Choir, and as Assistant Sunday School Teacher.

Edsel taught vocational agriculture in Horton and Northwood High Schools in the Chatham County School System in Pittsboro. After 17 years as an educator, he built on his agricultural expertise and knowledge by working as a field representative for North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation for 28 years. One of his proudest achievements was founding the Institute of Future Agricultural Leaders (IFAL), a summer enrichment program housed in NC A&T State and NC State Universities for high school students seeking careers in agriculture.

Throughout Edsel’s lifetime of service, he held memberships in numerous organizations, including the Chatham County Cooperative Extension Board of Directors, Chatham County Branch Executive Board of the NAACP, NC A&T State University Strategic Planning Council for Extension, NC State University Cooperative Extension Advisory Board, and the National Freelance Photographers Association. For more than 50 years of leadership, his many honors included Honorary Life Membership in the National Future Farmers of America Organization, North Carolina Cooperative Extension Recognition as Outstanding Friend of Extension, NC A&T State University Extension Service Award, Chatham County NAACP award in Recognition of Service to Civil Rights, Northwood High School Alumni Association Service Award, and Mitchell Chapel Church’s Living Legend Award.

He leaves to cherish the memories of his life, his beloved wife of 54 years, Virginia Crittenden Daniel of Moncure, NC; his adored son Caswell L. Daniel (Nicky) and granddaughter Micah of Raleigh, NC; his sister Claristine Daniel Bryant of Moncure, NC; his brothers Wendell Daniel (Carole) of Washington, DC, Julian Daniel (Julia) of Oliver Springs, TN, and Harold Daniel of Riegelwood, NC; two foster siblings Paulette Simpson Hobbs (Larry) of Hope Mills, NC and Norris Simpson (Maxine) of Atlanta, GA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, as well as cherished friends and former students.
 

Professional Services Entrusted to:  Knotts Funeral Home - Pittsboro