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Hal Daniel Obituary
Hal Jefferson "Jeff" Daniel III passed away February 5 following a brief illness; he was 74. Jeff grew up in Memphis and graduated from Central High School in 1960. He attended the University of Tennessee at Knoxville where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Jeff then earned his Master's degree in Speech Pathology from UT and went on to receive his doctorate from the University of Southern Mississippi, followed by postdoctoral work in Zurich and at the University of Washington. At 27, Jeff was the youngest Ph.D. ever hired by East Carolina University. He served students, the university, and his profession for 38 years at ECU as faculty in Anthropology, Speech and Language Auditory Pathology, and then in Biology. As professor emeritus, he also taught at Edgecombe Community College, NC. Professor Daniel received five national, state, and local teaching awards between 1971 and 1999, and published more than 70 scientific articles on hearing, evolutionary medicine, human behavior, and vocalization in insects. He also was an accomplished chef. Jeff may be best known for his 11 collections of sometimes colorful, sometimes irreverent, but always insightful poetry. He was particularly proud that, except for four postdoctoral years in Switzerland and Washington, he spent his entire life in the South.
Jeff was preceded in death by his parents, Hal Jefferson Daniel Jr. and Margaret Wardlaw Daniel. His loving family includes his wife of 33 years, Amanda Hazard; daughter Loren Perth Hazard-Daniel (and husband Joshua Johnson); two sons, Slayton Wardlaw Hazard-Daniel and Kempten Love Daniel (and wife Beck); granddaughter Kate; sister Marcia Daniel Tyler (and husband John); two brothers Watt Daniel (and wife Bonnie) and David Daniel (and wife Lori); along with many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Jeff's life will take place Saturday, February 18, 2017, 12 noon, at Myrtle Grove Plantation, 4226 NC-43 South, Macclesfield, NC.
Contributions in honor of Hal J. Daniel III may be sent as checks payable to ECU Foundation, Inc. Please add "Biology Priority Fund in memory of Hal Daniel" on the memo line and mail to Diane Gerard, Director of Gift Records, East Carolina University, 2200 S. Charles Blvd., Suite 2213, Greenville, NC 27858.
Condolences to the family may be sent to PO Box 166, Falkland, NC 27827.
As published in The Daily Reflector
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Memories and Condolences
for Hal Daniel
Christina Sims-Smith
February 26, 2024
I am saddened to hear this news because Dr. Hal Daniel had an indelible impact on my educational and professional journey at ECU and beyond. Professor Daniel inspired me during an intensive summer school course in animal behavior where I gained insight that helped foster my love and research of animals. I currently teach middle school science with excitement and adventure just as I experienced throughout my time with my Dr. Daniel. I was interested in starting my own business venture with animals and I wanted to speak to my most trusted expert. He always believed in me and I will never forget him and the legacy that he has within the hearts of so many. His love of teaching science, inspiring others, and exploring possibilities lives on.
I would like to thank his family for sharing him with the students of ECU so that his legacy can live on in the lives of others. You have my condolences and I lift you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Blessings,
Christina Sims-Smith
Larry Valco
February 23, 2023
I just found out about Dr. Daniel's passing. Some 45 years later, I still remember him as a wonderful instructor. I'm very sad that such a great person, after everything he did for us, that he should be gone at such a young age. I spoke often of Dr. Daniel, anytime I spoke of East Carolina University to family or friends. My memories of Dr. Daniel will remain always.
Marcia Martino
February 5, 2023
Brilliant star... always Marci
Marci Martino
October 26, 2022
My heart hurts... thank you Mr. Daniels.
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Greta Patterson
June 16, 2022
"Difference does not imply deviance."
~~Dr. Hal Daniel
That phrase has made a huge difference in my life. He was an awesome professor!
Nancy Turner
March 2, 2018
I am so very sad to hear about this and not having the chance to say goodbye. When you think of someone don't wait, pick up the phone, write a letter, plan a visit. Amy, I'm thinking of you, Kempton, Loren, and Slayton and send you love and light. Jeff left such an imprint on my life - he was an amazing man, teacher and friend. I miss him terribly.
Rachel
March 12, 2017
I remember one Monday in class he had just gotten back from fishing and still had his gators up to his thighs and longjohns on. He took off his gators and begin to pace back-and-forth in front of the board teaching the class in his inimitable style with gusto and passion. I will never forget my classes with him. I appreciate it deeply how he challenged women to not be dictated by our gender.
Carolyn Pinkston
February 19, 2017
I always loved the debates we would have driving to and from conferences. He was challenging and convincing - laughter was a large part of our friendship. He was a fantastic professor and will be missed by many. My thoughts go out to his family.
Jeff McKinnon
February 17, 2017
Really enjoyed getting to know Hal when I arrived at ECU--got to try some new foods too. I am sorry to lose him so soon, and as Chair of ECU Biology I want to send my sincere condolences to his family and loved ones on behalf of the department.
Kim Shovelin
February 17, 2017
Amy, Loren, and Slayton, just want you to know that we are thinking of you and are so sorry for your loss. Please reach out if you need any help.
Bob Muzzarelli
February 16, 2017
I have been privileged to know Jeff as a colleague and friend. He was one of the first to welcome me to ECU in 1970. When the Department moved from the Dept. of Special Education to the School of Allied Health Science, we had to give the department a name. It was Jeff who suggested it to be the Dept. of Speech-Language & Auditory Pathology or more fondly know as "SLAP" Jeff was a brilliant scholar, teacher and researcher. His early work with the effects of Fluoride and Otosclerosis brought international recognition to ECU.As a teacher, he always challenged students to be thinkers and not be satisfied with just getting by.
To Amy, Loren, Slayton & Kempton, I extend my deepest sympathy and want you to know how much I admired Jeff!
Sandra Sheldon
February 16, 2017
Seems like just yesterday we were sitting on the floor eating hard crab spaghetti and listening toEdwin Hawkins singing "OH Happy Day" Hal was important our lives even if he did not meet his goal ofNobel Peace Prize . HIs memory will live on in our hearts.
Margie Dellasega
February 16, 2017
Slayton and Family,
Thinking of you and your family. I always enjoyed talking with your dad.
Mrs. Margei Dellasega
David Mills
February 15, 2017
A scholar's scholar. An iconoclast. How fortunate ECU and NC were to have had Jeff.
Terri Wachter
February 14, 2017
A brilliant man and awesome teacher in his unconventional way. Really made you think about things and ask questions. Prayer go out to your family
Johnnie Sexton
February 14, 2017
I don't think I was ever so inspired as I was being a student of Dr. Daniel. He was beyond brilliant, animated and urged me to learn. He begged me to not live my life in a box....I have had a great life and career because I followed his advice. I met him in 1975 or so as an undergratuate student and had him as a professor in both undergrad and grad programs. In many ways, as I reflect, he treated us like his own children and family. He cared about us and what we would learn. He cared about the quality of our then future lives. I have so much to say about this amazing soul but will stop with one quick story. I was sitting in a lecture on hair cell regeneration in Taiwan in 2003 and I could understand everything because of what Dr. D taught me...a trivial thought, perhaps....but I tracked him down when I returned to the U.S. to thank him for all he did for me and all he taught me. My heart goes out to the family and I know that his spirit is freely floating in the universe now watching over us all!!! Love you, HJD!!!
emily long
February 14, 2017
He was an interesting individual with a wealth of knowledge who taught me many things.
John
February 14, 2017
Godspeed Dr. Daniel. You were an amazing teacher and a great guy.
Carol Peoples
February 14, 2017
Dr. Daniel was a wonderful professor and an interesting person. I learned so much from him in grad school at ECU.
February 13, 2017
Memories from many years ago with Jeff in Washington NC. Love to one unique man, Jackie Myers.
Jane Boardman
February 13, 2017
Amy & Family, I am so sorry for your loss! Hal was one of my all time favorite parents at St. Peter's. Funny and so real! You are all in my thoughts, the world has lost a great person!
Mike Ernest
February 12, 2017
Jeff was one of my instructors in the Allied Health Audiology Department in the 70's. Brilliant, eccentric and passionate. Great guy!
Ron Hoffman
February 12, 2017
Jeff and I played on the basketball team at Central High School in Memphis. I am saddened by his loss even though we probably only saw each other once since high school. I believe it was our 30th reunion and Jeff sought me out so we could catch up on "old" times. He was a great guy! My sincerest condolences to his family and loved ones.
Mary McDade
February 11, 2017
Hal Daniel was a brilliant researcher, scientist, and professor. He
enlightened minds and inspired others to greatness, a wonderful legacy.
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