Charles E Daniels

Bishop Charles E. Daniels left to be with the Lord onJuly 9, 2025, peacefully trading mortality for immortality. Known as "Deac" to classmates of Lincoln Memorial High School, Charles was a standout linebacker and placekicker for the Lincoln Trojansbefore becoming known as Bible scholar, pastor and bishop of Lighthouse Ministry and Outreaches, Inc. in Bradenton, Florida. Throughout 50 years in ministry, he travelled throughout the United States, the Caribbean, Europe, and Africa spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He was consecrated as a bishop in 2008.

Charles was born July 20, 1950, in Belle Glades, Florida to M.C. and Essie B. Barber Daniels, and was the fifth of eleven children. The family moved to Manatee County in 1953 and worshipped at Carter's Temple CME in Bradenton. He was educated at Bradenton Elementary School and First Street Junior High before enrolling at Lincoln Memorial High School. Like his older brother, "Frankie D," Charles was an outstanding athlete. A proud member of Lincoln Memorial's Class of 1969, he played semi-professional football after graduation for the Palmetto Trojans until he was drafted for service in the United States Army in 1970. He served honorably in the U.S. Army and in the Army Reserves.

And one choice happened that changed every other choice he would make: Charles gave his life to the Lord.

In 1972, he was ordained an elder of the Westcoast Center for Human Development by the Henry L. Porter Evangelistic Association, Inc. During 50 years of ministry, Bishop Daniels served as pastor of the Panama City Westcoast Center for Human Development; Bible teacher and professor of Christ Ascension Church in Enugu State, Nigeria; as well as pastor and bishop of Lighthouse Ministry and Outreaches, Inc. He co-founded the United International Ministerial Alliance in 2006 with Apostle Sherlene McClary of Panama City. Through the UIMA, Bishop Daniels followed God's commission to ordain men and women for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He prayerfully and faithfully served as lead consecrator for the elevations of bishops, and ordained ministers and elders to fulfill the Great Commission. Bishop Daniels ministered at prisons throughout Florida,bringing a message of faith, accountability personal freedom.

Bishop Daniels met his partner in life and in ministry, Florine McCants, at Lincoln High School. The couple married 10 years after meeting at Lincoln and shared 47 years of joy together. In 2009, Bishop and Rev. Mrs. Daniels founded Lighthouse Preparatory Christian School and Lighthouse Rescue/Recovery, establishing their shared mission of nurturing faith, education, and transformation in youth and adults. They furthered their academic reach by assuming Beacon Preparatory Academy from Apostle Sherlene and Deacon James McClary.

He began his higher education at Manatee Community College and completed a Bachelors' degree in African American Studies at the University of South Florida. During his tenure as an educator, Charles served in both administrative and teaching capacities. He taught at Prew Academy and Wings Academy Charter School in Sarasota, and in the Manatee County School system. Charles was principal of the Westcoast School in Panama City, and taught classes at both the Panama City and Sarasota Westcoast Schools. Additionally, he served as liaison for middle and high schools in Manatee County.

Bishop Daniels served tirelessly through his teaching, preaching, and writing until health challenges required his retirement.

Bishop Daniels was preceded in death by his parents, M.C. and Essie B. Barber Daniels; brothers Samuel L. Daniels, Franklin D. Daniels, Freddie L. Daniels and Elijah Daniels; and one sister, Cynthia Daniels; a very dear aunt: Armenia Barkley, his mother's sister who served as a second mother, a provider, supporter, and advisor; another dear aunt, Reatha Hayes; aunts Callie Daniels Bellamy, Ola Daniels Lester and Julia DanielsSpicer, Ola Barber Olds, Ida Barber Daniels and Mattie Barber Dawson; uncles Robert Daniels, Jesse Daniels, Arthur Daniels, Jack Daniels, John Barber, Elbert Barber and Frank Barber; a beloved mother-in-law, Princetta Clark McCants and father-in-law Linwood McCants.

Celebrating his homegoing and forever missing his presence is his beloved wife, Rev. Dr. Florine McCants Daniels; his sons, Charael, Charl and Carlin; his granddaughter, Samiyah; brothers, Ulysees Daniels;Grant Daniels (Sandra); and Anderson Daniels, all ofBradenton; Mack Daniels of Sarasota; one sister, Lucinda Daniels of Bradenton; sisters-in-law Betty Daniels and JoAnn Daniels of Miami, and Tabitha Daniels of Palmetto; sisters-in-law Phyllis ClarkJackson of Detroit, MI; Mandy Clark of Palmetto; and Trusky McCants Rogers of Rochester, NY; brother-in-law Luther Clark (Camille) of New York, NY; aunts, Nellie Barber of Bradenton and Martha Clark Harvey of Orlando; and uncle, Harvey Barber of Bradenton.

His father's heart added children to his life, especially Aneysia Bonner Belcher and her husband, Ray of Orlando; George Randall Beachem & his wife, Withney of Ruskin, FL; and Captain Raydon Brown, US Army. These children-at -heart rounded out the Daniels clan every holiday for many years and held a special place in Bishop Daniels' enormous heart.

Twelve nieces, twenty-five nephews, twenty godsons and twenty goddaughters are also loved and covered in prayer by "Uncle Deac" and "Goddaddy." Bishop Daniels had a special love for his neighborhood friends from Palmetto, and classmates from Lincoln High's Class of 1969.