Donald "Donnie" Lee Daniel

Donald “Donnie” Lee Daniel, 76, of Madison County, Virginia, passed away on October 12, 2025. A devoted husband, father, Pop-Pop, friend, and community servant, Donnie lived a life full of love, generosity, and purpose.

Born on June 4, 1949, to Ashby Lee and Julia Amos Daniel, Donnie was a lifelong resident of Madison County, raised in Shelby. He graduated from Madison County High School in 1967, and cherished the many friendships formed with his classmates. He went on to earn degrees from the University of Virginia School of General Studies and James Madison University, laying the foundation for a lifetime of work, service, and leadership. In his college years and after his schooling, Donnie proudly served nine years in the Virginia Army National Guard.

Donnie, along with his wife Margaret, was the co-owner and operator of Greystone TV & Appliance for 37 years, operating as a Radio Shack franchise for 20 years. In addition to his professional career, he enjoyed cattle farming, taking pride in working the land and raising livestock.

Donnie believed deeply in giving back and dedicated countless hours to civic and youth organizations. He was a longtime member and past President of the Madison County Jaycees and served as Director and President of the Madison County Fair Board. His service to Hebron Lutheran Church, where he was a member for over 50 years, included roles as president of the church council, church trustee, and devoted volunteer. He also served on the Madison County Parks and Recreation Board, was a trustee for MCHS FFA, coordinator of the Madison 4-H Livestock Fund, a coach for his sons’ baseball teams, and a proud 4-H Dad who supported all his children in raising cattle and sheep.

A man who valued connection and community, Donnie found great joy in spending time amongst his friends as part of the Orange-Madison Co-op Coffee Club, the Hebron Valley "Man-Cave", the Aylor Hunt Club, and the Poor House Hunt Club. In his free time, he loved family vacations, hunting, fishing, and playing golf. Donnie was an avid follower of UVA Baseball making trips to Omaha and bonding with friends. He will be remembered for his warm smile, strong work ethic, quick wit, and unwavering devotion to family and community.

Donnie is survived by his loving wife of 54 years Margaret Daniel; sons Scott Daniel and Brian Daniel and wife Heather; daughter Laura Daniel; and grandchildren Emillee Coman and husband Robbie, Blake, Landen, and Baylor; sister Julie Daniel-Fox and husband Gene and their son Grayson Fox. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ashby and Julia Daniel and daughter-in-law Kaci Daniel.

The family will receive visitors on Wednesday, October 15th, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Hebron Lutheran Church. A funeral service will be held at the church on Thursday, October 16th at 2:00 p.m., followed by interment at Hebron Cemetery. The service will also be aired online via Zoom at: https://tinyurl.com/ycxfbp67.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hebron Lutheran Church, the Madison County Fair, or Hospice of the Piedmont.

Donnie’s legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched and the example he set through a life well lived, full of kindness, service, and love.