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William Daniel Obituary

DANIEL, WILLIAM ZANE - age 66 of Knoxville, passed away Tuesday, August 1, 2006 at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle, WA. A native of Rutledge, TN, Mr. Daniel was the son of the late W. I. Daniel and Velma F. Daniel. He was an exceptionally proud and devoted father and grandfather. He was a member of Central Baptist Church of Bearden. Preceded in death by: infant brother, James Larry Daniel. His survivors include: his wife, Norma; sons and daughters-in-law, Jeffrey Zane Daniel and Sharon Daniel, and William Todd Daniel and Kerri Daniel, all of Knoxville; stepson, Todd James of Knoxville; grandchildren, Hunter Zane Daniel, Caroline Blakely Daniel, Hollin Elise Daniel, Sandra Claire Daniel, William Jackson Daniel and Madison James; brother and sister-in-law, Creed A. Daniel and Muriel Daniel of Rutledge; nephews Larry “Cooter” Daniel and Dirk A. Daniel of Rutledge, TN; his devoted assistant, Jennifer Rosser; and many cousins. He earned his undergraduate degree at High Point College in High Point, NC in 1962 where he played on the starting basketball team. He earned his law degree at the University of Tennessee College of Law in 1965. In 1967 he began serving as an Ass’t. District Attorney for Knox County, TN. From 1970-1972 he was designated Chief Prosecutor. During that era he became known as “The Smiling Prosecutor” for his innate ability to charm the juries. In 1972, Zane left the prosecutor’s office to enter private practice. His firm evolved over the next thirty-four years to become Daniel & Oberman where he practiced law with his two sons. Zane was a founder of the Tenn. Assoc. of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and took great pride and satisfaction in his work as both a criminal defense and personal injury trial lawyer. He was a member of many professional trial lawyer organizations representing clients in many highly publicized cases. Additionally, he shared his knowledge with other lawyers by lecturing at seminars for numerous state and local bar associations. Zane’s outgoing nature and love for country music led him to regularly entertain nationally renowned country music artists at his home in Knoxville. There will be a memorial service at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 8th at Central Baptist Church of Bearden with Dr. Larry Fields officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at the church. Pallbearers: Congressman John J. Duncan, Jr., Raymond Hand, Con Hunley, Barry Litton, Steven Oberman, and Teddy Phillips. Honorary Pallbearers: Pete Acuff, Lewis Greenlee, Ken Hall, Spec Lovell, Sam Taylor, David Earl West, Wayne Hood, Dr. Fred Hurst and the Honorable Judge Harold Wimberly. A private interment will precede the service. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Zane Daniel may be made to: the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center; P.O. Box 19024, Mailstop J5-200, Seattle, Washington 98109-1024. Arrangements by Weaver Funeral Home.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Knoxville News Sentinel from Aug. 3 to Aug. 7, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for William Daniel

Not sure what to say?





Hunter Daniel

August 21, 2006

popa i miss you more than anyone could imagine, you were my best friend and i love you very much. I'm sure you're pickin away up there.

P.J. & Anita (Angela's parents) Seiber

August 11, 2006

Todd, so sorry for your great loss. I did not know your dad personally, but knowing you is enough for me to understand what a great man he was. You and your family are in our prayers.

Carm Sellers Trussell

August 9, 2006

Zane filled my heart with happy and wonderful memories. I will miss him. My thoughts and prayers are given to his family and friends.

Sonya Richards

August 9, 2006

We will all miss Zane so much in the Bank of America building. Zane was always so kind and friendly - and he didn't have to be. He was never shy about striking up conversation, or telling a joke, on our elevator rides or in the lobby or even out of the office if you ran into him. Young lawyers should take note of how Zane practiced and conducted himself in the office and out of the office. Truly one of a kind. To the Daniel & Oberman staff and attorneys, and the Daniel family, you are in my prayers. We were very blessed to have Zane Daniel around.

Patricia White

August 9, 2006

I am so sorry for your loss.

Jimmy Jones

August 8, 2006

The last time I saw Zane was at the cotton bowl Jan.1,2005. I sat in front of him. He was the same Zane I had first met when he was in law school. Many years of a good friendship will be remembered. His love of country music, and his passion for life stood out. Creed I give to you and the family my heartfelt sympathy. My prayers will be with you for your great loss.

Mike Hensley

August 8, 2006

Daniel Family,



We are deeply sorry for your loss. We'll keep you in our prayers through this difficult time in your lives.



Mike, Midge, Ian and Heather Hensley

Elif Lewis

August 8, 2006

Sorry For Your Loss

Carm Sellers Trussell

August 8, 2006

Zane filled my heart with happy and wonderful memories. I will miss him. My thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.

Carm

David Lay

August 8, 2006

Jeff, Todd, sorry for your loss, Zane helped me out a time or two years ago. He was a joy to know and he will be greatly missed.

Larry & Tina Chason

August 8, 2006

I had the privilege of attending High Point College with Zane. I will always remember his warm smile and his love of country music. Our deepest sympathy goes out to his entire family and friends.

Heather Tuggle

August 8, 2006

Todd Kerri and family....You will continue to be in our prayers. May God comfort you in this time of sorrow. Please call if you need anything.



With lots of love,

Randy and Heather Tuggle

C. Wade and Joyce Nicely

August 8, 2006

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Daniel family at this time.

Catherine Favaro

August 8, 2006

Jeff and Todd, you and your families will remain in my prayers during this difficult time. Your father had a zest for life like no other person I have ever met. Though I did not work directly for Zane at Daniel & Oberman, he always included me. He always had a smile on his face and a joke or story to share. It was a true joy to work with Zane. He had the type of personality that people just gravitate to and I feel I was blessed to have known him.

Drama Barnes

August 8, 2006

My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Mike Brewer

August 8, 2006

With deepest sympathies to all the family. Knew of Zane through Cooter and the community.

Judith DePrisco

August 8, 2006

My deepest sympathy -- the Knoxville legal community will miss one of its most outstanding members.

Robbi Schrimpsher

August 8, 2006

We just wanted all of Zane's family and office to know we loved Zane and his precious smile and he will certainly be missed.



Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.



With love,

Dr. Degnan's Office

Jonathan, Fran, Sharon, Karen & Robbi

Kim (Lucas) Beckner

August 8, 2006

Jeff & Sharon, Todd & Kerri: I just wanted you all to know that I'm thinking about you and love you. There are no words to tell you how sorry I am to hear this news. Your family has always been special to me from the very beginning when I first started working there for Zane. He was always very good to me and I considered him one of the special people in my life. I enjoyed so much working for him and you, Jeff. Zane is honestly the best person I have had the privilege to work for and spend time around. And just being a part of his office leaves much to smile and laugh about. My 8 years there has given me many good memories and certainly things to laugh about that Zane said or did. It still makes me smile everytime I think of the good times we shared. I love your family and thank you for good memories! I've missed each of you since I've been gone, and am praying for each one of you through this time. Love, Kim (Lucas) Beckner.

Tandy Warwick

August 7, 2006

I'm so sorry and sad to hear of Zane's passing. I'll always remember his beautiful smile, his kindness and what fun it was to be around him.



The Daniel family is in my thoughts and prayers. May God bring peace and comfort to each of you during your time of grief and sadness.

J. D. - JOANN - DANNY WALLACE

August 7, 2006

We are so sorry to hear of Zane's untimely death. We cared a lot for him and are going to miss him at the UT basketball games. you all have our deepest sympathy.

Marion & Andi Suitt

August 7, 2006

We were at High Point College with Zane. We will always remember the fantastic sense of humor and the pure "love of life itself" that Zane had. We are so very sorry for your loss. Zane was a great guy and a good friend.

Tommy Frazier

August 7, 2006

Zane was a dear friend and will be missed.

Jerry W. Murdock

August 7, 2006

I wish to experss my condolences on hearing of Zane's death. He was always a joy to be around in our college days. My thoughts are with you in this time of sorrow.

Pete Shelton

August 7, 2006

What a great loss for everyone who knew him. Zane was a wonderful man who brought a smile and a friendly handshake wherever he went. I only knew Zane and Creed, but my condolences to the whole Daniel family. The Knoxville legal community has suffered a tremendous loss; I simply knew him as a friend.

Lyshanda Ewing

August 7, 2006

Jeff & Sharon,

We thank God for having the opportunity to have known Zane. He was a great man, a man my son and I truly loved and respected. Please know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers.

Lyshanda Ewing & James Gallman Jr

Ina Roberts

August 7, 2006

With deepest sympathy you are in our thoughts and prayers, the staff of Weaver Funeral Home

Mary Lou Teague

August 7, 2006

To all that loved Zane ( which is unmeasurable) our loss will only be overshadowed by the wonderful & crazy memories that we have of him. The memories will last forever. My heart has ached since I found out that you were going to Seattle, you were in my prayers everyday. You will be missed and loved forever. Your smile will light up heaven..You were truly a dear friend of mine.

Christi Monroe

August 7, 2006

What a great guy is simple an understatement for this man. He was a blessing to myself and my family on more than one occasion. He will be missed my many. Prayers are with the friends and especially the family.

Alicia (Daniel) Catlett

August 7, 2006

I am a second cousin of Zane. My grandfather was Preston Daniel, and my dad is Jerry Daniel. Zane is my father's first cousin. Our family thought very highly of Zane and he will be greatly missed. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.

Gary Parker

August 7, 2006

Zane knew the true meaning of friendship.

Deanene Light

August 7, 2006

May your memories sustain you for a lifetime. My prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Jane Haney

August 7, 2006

I never was around someone with a better personality or bigger smile. Zane loved life and his family and friends. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your loss.

Earl Lovelace

August 7, 2006

So very sorry to hear of your loss. I considered Zane a friend as well as a customer. I will miss him.

Earl Lovelace

Earl Lovelace plumbing

Steve Wells

August 7, 2006

Jeff & Todd:

I just heard the news. I lost my Dad a few years ago so I know that this is tough on you. You have had many great years and so many wonderful memories of the time spent with your Dad. Beyond being one of Knoxville's best and brightest attorneys, The things I'll remember most about Zane is he always lived life to the fullest. He had this incredible contagious smile and he always made you feel important when he greeted you. He had as much charisma as any person I have ever met. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Melanie

August 6, 2006

Dear Jeff, Todd, Steve, Jennifer and Cristy: We are so very saddened about the loss of Zane. I feel very blessed to have been part of such a fun working environment...I remember all the laughs Zane brought to the office....the fun lunches AND Boomsdays! I am really thinking of all you guys and pray for your strength at this time and in the months to come...I cannot even imagine your pain.

Sincerely,

Melanie Niblick and family (Jay, Zach, Baker and Joe)

Jack & Lisa Cupp

August 6, 2006

J.D. My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family in this time of need. Your father was truely a good man and friend to many. He will be missed and thought about frequently. God Bless!

Jim Goolsby (Buzz)

August 6, 2006

Jeff..My deepest sympathy goes out to you your family.It just wont be the same around the ball field without Zane there to cheer Hunter on. Its just hard to say anything at a time like this..God bless you and your family and my thoughts and prayers are witn you

Amanda Nicely

August 6, 2006

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless.

James & Angela Bell

August 6, 2006

If one were to offer a comforting prayer for all those many lives that Zane touched; and for those whose lives that have been enriched by his acts and deeds, and for those who have breathed easier because Zand had lived, the prayer of comfort would would be endless. Zane loved life; touched lives; shared his gifts; fought for justice; and won the war against injustice. He was a hero to all, and will be forever missed. And his heart and giving spirit was as big as life itself.

connie campbell

August 6, 2006

Jeff I am so sorry about your Dad. I have been praying for him ever since I heard he was sick.I have known your Dad since 1968 when he took a case for me,to me he was more than an attorney and he has helped me thru several trying times and I will always love him for it,may God bless and comfort you and your family.

Jan Clair Bridges (Adcock)

August 5, 2006

Kerri & Todd,

My thoughts & spirits are with you. May Zane's legend live forever. Think of you often.



Jan Clair Bridges (aka Jan Adcock)

Lori Whitaker Witt

August 5, 2006

Jeff and Todd...I am so sorry about your Dad. I have crazy memories of our trips to the beach and you guys hanging out of the sun roof of the caddy. I had the honor of crashing my car in your drive way but your Dad was always the coolest about everything. My heart aches for you both. Praying for you.

Cindy (Harvey) Lett

August 5, 2006

Todd, Jeff, Creed & Family

Zane will be missed by all, but has gone to a beautiful new home,where we all will be together one fine day, my thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Judi Minor

August 5, 2006

Sorry to the loss of your father he was very respected man thru out East TN may God bless you all.

Joe and Mary Jane Glenn (Guzinski)

August 5, 2006

Our deepest sympathy to all of Zane's family. We were truly saddened to learn that Zane lost his fight for life. Joe has many good memories of times with Zane and the years at High Point. He was a good friend and teammate.

Michael Spears

August 5, 2006

Daniel Family, you will be in our prayers and have our deepest sympathy.

Gilbert Levison

August 5, 2006

Norma, Todd, Jeff, Creed and Family:

Let me extend my very deepest sympathy for a great friend. Zane and I have been friends for 40 plus years, and there was never a time, when we got together that we didn't have a good laugh about soemthing that happened long ago. He was a class act and a gentleman, he will be sorely missed.

john olmstead

August 5, 2006

Jeff, Todd, Dirk and Cooter, I thought the world of Zane and sure enjoyed the times we shared together with him. I wish we could have had more time with him but I guess that makes the times we had even more special. One thing for sure, wherever he is he will catch the biggest fish in the lake....that's just how he did things.

Jeanie Eldridge

August 4, 2006

My deepest sympathy and prayers are with you. I knew Zane through Creed and my employer, Judge Wayne Wolfenbarger. He will be greatly missed.

Ross A. Beckley

August 4, 2006

To the Daniel family, Words can’t express the sadness that I feel for your loss. May you find comfort in the precious memories and wonderful legacy that Zane left to all he met. Be blessed and know that my thoughts and prayers surround you.

Samuel E. Walker, Jr.

August 4, 2006

To the Daniel family, you have my deepest sympathy and may you be comforted by knowing that others feel your loss. You are in my thoughts and Prayers.

Rita Walker & Family

August 4, 2006

To the Daniel family, my heart ached when I learned of your loss. Zane was a wonderful man, a great attorney, and such a blessing to me and my family. He was a friend who genuinely cared about people and their problems. He would help you in anyway that he could. What an honor and privilege to have known him. His brilliance, friendliness, and caring nature will remain in my heart as a precious memory. I am forever grateful for the life he lived. May God’s peace be with you forever!

Steve and Laura Afendis

August 4, 2006

I was shocked to hear of Zane's passing and extend our deepest sympathy to his entire family. He truly lived a very active life. We were teammates and frat brothers at High Point College and was one of our all time favorites. Saw him at our reunion, at the Tenn-Aggie Cottonbowl and unexpectedly at the Marriott in Costa Rica about two years ago. A truly loved person by all of us. We will miss him but retain our many memories.

Ron and Wanda McMahan

August 4, 2006

We will so miss the joy Zane brought to his friends and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Robin Bailey

August 4, 2006

Todd and Jeff,

My thoughts and prayers are with you. Your father was one of my most favorite people I ever had the pleasure of being around.WHAT A SMILE.

John Garrison

August 4, 2006

His wit, wisdom, and ever-present smile will be sorely missed. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Kathy Trudeau

August 4, 2006

To Zane's family, Only time will heal the hurt you are experiencing now. You have such a wonderful father and friend to all. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you. (Enjoy his memories).

TK & Becky Shropshire

August 4, 2006

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Brenda Lane

August 3, 2006

To Todd,Jeff and Creed,The circle wont be broken.Just great memories of a song Zane loved.A sad day for us but a home comming for those in Heaven.My prayers are with you.

Ted and Betty Haralson

August 3, 2006

May our Lord comfort you. What a joy to have been acquainted with Zane. Our prayers are with you.

Chad&Shelly Fortenberry

August 3, 2006

We are so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our prayers.

Lisa Flatford

August 3, 2006

To Todd and Jeff,The circle wont be broken.Just great memories of a song Zane loved.A sad day for us but a home comming for those in Heaven.

A. D. Earl

August 3, 2006

In this time of sorrow,know that all will miss Zane. But also know that with all the friends he has he will really never be "gone". Rather lets just understand that Zane has called a "side Bar" with Judge JESUS

Don and Linda Jones

August 3, 2006

We will miss Zane with all his smiles and joy. May your family and friends carry you through this terrible time GOD BLESS.

Gina and Family

August 3, 2006

Our deepest sympathy to the Daniel family. It is a pleasure to have known Zane. Our prayer is that GOD will give each of you a gentle hug for us during this time of sorrow and wrap you in wonderful memories in the days ahead.

robin c. smith

August 3, 2006

I went to high school with Zane and loved to watch him play basketball. He represented my family as a lawyer and was the best. May the family be comforted by all the People he touched.

Robin Johnson Smith

Debra England Daugherty

August 3, 2006

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Teresa Butler

August 3, 2006

My deepest sympathy goes out to the Daniel family. Zane was a great friend.

Bo Roberts

August 3, 2006

I didn't see him often, but I remember every fun-filled encounter. A great guy, who loved life. My sympathy to his family.

CURTIS STANTON

August 3, 2006

GOD IS THE WINNER AND THE WORLD IS THE LOSER IN THIS FIGHT FOR LIVES BY A REAL HUMAN BEING.

Robin Maples

August 3, 2006

I had the opportunity to meet Zane while I was employed by one of his dearest friends, Bill Waggoner. I had the pleasure of knowing Zane for over 20 years. He was a wonderful attorney and great man.

Jan & Ruth Morton

August 3, 2006

The sun is not shinning quite as bright today. What a true friend to everyone. We will miss him but never forget.

Bobbie Bradley

August 3, 2006

You will be missed

Dixie Barker

August 3, 2006

He will be greatly missed. He always had a smile for everyone.

Louise Self

August 3, 2006

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Christy Gair

August 3, 2006

With Our Deepest Sympathies.

May God continue to comfort and Bless you all.

Brian and Christy Gair

Claudia Franks

August 3, 2006

My very deepest sympathy goes out to Zane's family. What a huge loss to us all. God Bless.

Brenda McFarland

August 3, 2006

I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Daniel through working in the District Attorney's office since 1987. On many occasions Mr. Daniel was in our office regarding cases and was always a very pleasant, personable person. He will be greatly missed!

Bob Moss

August 3, 2006

My sincerest sympathys to the extended Daniel family. Zane was a friend and as good a Man as I have ever known. He will be deeply missed.

Samyah Jubran

August 3, 2006

I'm so saddened and sorry for your ("our") loss. I will miss Zane and his fabulous smile and personality immensely. May His Memory be Eternal and May God Bless You All.

Robin Ammons-Hipsky

August 3, 2006

Todd, I am so sorry for your loss. Zane was truly a good man and father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May GOD give you strength in this difficult time.

Blake McCoy

August 3, 2006

Mr. Daniel was a wonderful man and he will be missed.

Kevin and Amy Julian

August 3, 2006

God Bless You All.

KJ

Doug Cupp

August 3, 2006

Please accept my deepest sympathies,suffice it to say this liver of life will be sorely missed.

Karen Corum

August 3, 2006

So Sorry for your loss. Tim, Karen and Katelyn Corum

EDWARD CARRUTH

August 3, 2006

A GOOD FRIEND THAT I WILL MISS,MY

SYMPATHY TO THE REST OF THE FAMILY

Paula Brown

August 3, 2006

He was bigger than life and will be greatly missed by many.

Claire Welch

August 3, 2006

I'm sorry for this loss to the Daniel Family. I didn't know Zane personally, but I know, and love, Muriel and Creed and their boys, who are my neighbors. I pray for them every morning, and I will pray especially for God's comfort and love at this time of grief and loss.

Vickie Riffey

August 3, 2006

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.

Terri Lett

August 3, 2006

Jeff & Todd, I was so sorry to hear about your Dad. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I love you both.

Bill & Ellie Whitesell

August 3, 2006

We are thinking of the entire Daniel family and all of his special friends that will miss him terribly. We wish you all peace.

Barry L. ''Brad'' Bradley

August 3, 2006

A GREAT FRIEND. I WAS NEVER AROUND ZANE THAT I WENT AWAY WITHOUT A SMILE ON MY FACE. SO MANY FOND MEMORIES. I WILL MISS THAT FOREVER.

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5815 Western Ave, Knoxville, TN 37921-2208

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