of Little Rock, AR

May 23, 1936 - December 1, 2020

Jerry Calvin Daniel passed away peacefully at his residence in Little Rock on December 1, 2020. He was 84 years old. The family would like to thank his caregivers at Avenir Memory Care and Arkansas Hospice for the support and love that they extended to him over the last several years, and especially the days leading up to his death.

Jerry was born to Milford and Margaret Daniel on May 23, 1936, in Prescott, Arkansas. He graduated from Prescott High School in 1954, Southern State College (now Southern Arkansas University) in 1958, and went on complete both a Master's and a EdD at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. He was preceded in death by his parents, his younger brother Robert Daniel, and his beloved wife of 59 years, Frankie Burnham Daniel.

He is survived by his two children, Meg Hayes (James) of Little Rock, and David Daniel (Chirstiann) of Overland Park, KS. He was the proud grandfather of Calvin McCluskey, Gracie Daniel, Annie McCluskey, Christopher Daniel, and Sydney Hayes. He had one surviving sibling, Mike Daniel (Janet) of Port Aransas, Texas. He also leaves behind a host of grieving cousins and friends who loved him dearly.

Jerry was an avid sports fan and gifted athlete. He was the running back for his high school team, the Prescott Curley Wolves, and afterwards for the SAU Muleriders. While in college, he met Frankie, who was, by her account, determined to marry him. As Frankie was known to do, she succeeded, and the two of them married in 1958. Jerry's outrage at paying 50 cents for a BLT on their honeymoon set the tone for what would be a long, happy, albeit frugal, marriage.

Jerry started his career as a coach and teacher at Cullendale, Arkansas, then as football coach at Camden-Fairview. He decided he wanted to be a school administrator, so while working his way through school, he and his young family moved around the state. Temporary jobs took them to Stamps, Prairie Grove, Arkadelphia, and finally Fayetteville, where he finished his degree in 1973. Post graduation, he was hired as Assistant superintendent of Camden Schools, and that is where the family planted its roots until 1997.

In Camden, Jerry was well-loved by the community, both professionally and personally. He was an active member of First United Methodist Church. He taught Sunday School and spoke occasionally as a lay minister. He and Frankie accompanied the church youth group on many a trip to Colorado and Florida, and had the rare gift of not embarrassing either of his children. He was a master at driving the church bus over dangerous mountain passages, which in retrospect was probably not a good idea.

He was member of the local Lion's Club and served on the American Cancer Society board for Ouachita County. He spent decades perfecting his golf game, which was sadly not a goal he achieved. But in 1992 he discovered his true talent: retirement. As his brother Mike said ''My brother is my retirement role model.'' Jerry reaped the fruits of his frugality and he and Frankie began traveling. They took 3 trips to Europe and countless cruises and spontaneous road trips. They attended plays and musicals, volunteered at the Clinton Presidential Center, and doted over their grandchildren. They attended every recital, soccer game, school Grandparents' Day, and Holiday concert that came along.

Jerry is remembered for his wit, his ability to tell a story, his sincerity, his empathy, his love of children and education, and of course his handsome smile. He was a model father, stern but not strict; he was loving and kind. He was a proud grandfather who would move heaven and earth for his grandchildren.

He was a two-time cancer survivor, which proved that he was needed here on Earth. Those who knew him certainly benefitted from his existence. Jerry Calvin Daniel was the kind of person we should all strive to be, a kind, gentle soul.

Jerry will be interred at St James United Methodist Church in the columbarium, next to Frankie. Due to Covid, there will be no formal service. The immediate family will gather for the interment. A celebration of his life will be planned for later in 2021. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Arkansas Alzheimer's or the charity of your choice.

A service will be planned for a later date, due to Covid-19.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Chenal Funeral Home
13801 Chenal Parkway
Little Rock, AR  72211
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com