Willis J. Daniel, Jr.
1939 - 2026
On March 31, 2026, Willis “Buddy” J. Daniel Jr. passed away with his wife at his side. He was married to Carolyn O. Daniel, his best friend, partner, and the love of his life for 63 years. Immediately after his death, he punched his free, first-class ticket on Flight #1, Jesus Airlines, nonstop to the Pearly Gates!
Buddy was born and raised on a tobacco farm in the Providence Community, a few miles from Roxboro, NC. He was predeceased by his parents, Willis J. Daniel and Lila P. Daniel; and his two brothers; Bobby Daniel (Bess) and Larry Daniel (Bonnie). He is survived by his amazing wife, Carolyn O. Daniel; children Melissa D. Jones (Scott), Mark E. Daniel; grandchildren, Lindsay J. Lillibridge (Alex), Cameron D. Jones, and Willis “Will” J. Daniel III. He is also survived by nephew, Eddy Daniel (Cathy); nieces, Nancy Daniel and Shannon Tillman (Bill); and his wonderful adopted family, the Oakleys including Shirley Suitt, Jo Mooney, and Larry Oakley (Janie) along with many nieces and nephews.
Buddy graduated from Roxboro High School and East Carolina College and was a member of College Park Baptist Church in Winston-Salem. He enjoyed more than 50 years of sales and management in insurance with Integon and The Phoenix Agency in Winston-Salem.
He loved and adored his family and shared many wonderful memories of time spent together. He loved life, gospel music, shag dancing, golf, singing, and especially enjoyed the Friends & Partners Sunday school class and the members of College Park Baptist Church. He often remarked how grateful he was to have such wonderful friends, clients and associates.
He will be deeply missed and waiting at the Pearly Gates to greet family when the time comes!
A visitation for family and friends will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM in Smith Hall at College Park Baptist Church, 1701 Polo Road, Winston-Salem, NC.
Buddy was such a kind loving man. I have so many wonderful childhood memories staying with Daniel family from grade school through high school that I still cherish today. While it’s really hard for friends and family to say goodbye after a loved one graduates to glory, I know we all take comfort that he is with our Lord and Savior now. Carolyn, Mark, and Melissa you and your children are in our thoughts and prayers through this difficult time. Love you all!
Carolyn, Mark and Melissa, I am so sorry for your loss. Love you.
Buddy’s presence made every occasion a joy to behold, he leaves a legacy of faith, hope & love with the greatest of these attributes being love
Carolyn, Melissa, Mark and all of Buddy’s family. When I think of Buddy Daniel, I just smile. What a treat it was to be with Carolyn and Buddy on many trips with Integon. He was truly one of the “good guys”
He is dancing the shag, laughing and always watching over you all. Just as he has done for so many years.
Love hugs and prayers. This is a hard pill to swallow. He will be missed and I’m sorry to hear this sad news.
Patty
Uncle Buddy was definitely one of a kind. He had such a funny personality and my Bobby thought the world of him!
I absolutely love his and Aunt Carolyn’s love story! They were admired as a couple and he will be missed!
RIP Uncle Buddy and enjoy your new found healthy freedom and please tell Bobby, mom and daddy hello!! I know you are enjoying those wonderful arms of Jesus!!!!
Buddy was one in a million. Him and Carolyn were one of the nicest couples that I knew. He will be sadly missed. My heart goes out to Carolyn and the rest of the family.
Was truly my brother and a hero and role model when I was young. Will miss our weekly phone visits or texts. But happy he is having a great time with family and friends as he always did here.i was almost as happy as he was the day he and Carolyn married. Such good memories. Jimmy