Dr. Ben Daniels Jr.

Dr. David Benjamin Daniels Jr. was born in Valdosta, Georgia, on July 18, 1941, and passed away peacefully on September 11, 2025, in Miami, Florida. He was preceded in death by his father, Ben; mother, Eula; brother, Hiram; and sister, Catherine. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Cyndy; his son, David (wife Nina); his daughters, Kim and Kerri (husband Dan); and his sisters, Patty and Carolyn. He cherished his role as grandfather to CC, Sadie, and Mary, and step-grandchildren Rachel and Quentin and he was affectionately known as Daddy Daddy. He was also Uncle Ben to many nieces and nephews. Ben grew up in the small town of Statenville, Georgia, where he worked alongside his father on the family farm, helping with tobacco and turpentine. In high school, he played basketball and helped lead his team to a state championship. After graduation, he attended Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton before transferring to the University of Georgia, where he earned his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. It was there he also met the love of his life, Cyndy. The two were married on September 1, 1963, and soon moved to Miami, Florida. Ben dedicated more than 40 years to practicing veterinary medicine at Hialeah Miami Springs Animal Hospital, later expanding to own three additional practices in South Miami. A compassionate and gifted veterinarian, he poured his heart into caring for animals-and they, in turn, loved visiting him. Ben lived life to the fullest. He was an avid golfer and tennis player, and a founding member of Riviera Country Club. They were also members at Beach Colony Club, and Doral Golf Club where Ben played many rounds of golf with Cyndy and friends. In the late 1970s, he and Cyndy built a home in Key Largo, where he discovered a passion for tournament fishing. A member of the Rod and Reel Club, he won numerous fishing awards throughout the Bahamas, the Keys, and Mexico. Together, Ben and Cyndy delighted in entertaining, hosting countless dinner parties, cookouts, and gatherings for family and friends. He had a natural gift for humor-always ready with a story, a joke, or a playful prank-and he brought joy and laughter wherever he went. Above all, Ben's greatest devotion was to his Christian faith, family and friends. A lifelong servant of the Lord, he faithfully served as a deacon in his church and lived each day guided by his love for God. Every morning Ben would get in his car and go on what he called his "prayer ride" where he prayed for family and friends by name. Ben's life was marked by his adventure, generosity, and a steadfast heart. His legacy of love, laughter, and faith will live on in the many lives he touched. The Celebration of Life will be held on October 10, 2025 at 11a.m. at Christ Journey Church in Coral Gables. To honor Ben's memory, the family kindly asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to your local animal shelter.