Larry Daniel

LAKELAND -- Mr. Larry Grant Daniel Sr. of Lakeland, a retired professor of psychology at Southeastern College, died Thursday (July 31, 2003) in Bartow from injuries sustained in an auto accident. He was 68. Born May 3, 1935, in Langdale, Ala., he came here from New Orleans in 1975. Ordained a minister while in his early 20s, Mr. Daniel taught in different churches in several states before coming to Florida. When he began his professorship at Southeastern College, he continued his ministerial duties, though only part time, teaching marriage seminars and counseling. His work as a minister inspired his private family and marriage counseling practice in Lakeland. Mr. Daniel retired from Southeastern College in 2002 after 28 years. "He was a man who worked a lot, didn't have a lot of hobbies, but poured himself into his work," said his son, Larry G. Daniel Jr. of Jacksonville. Mr. Daniel enjoyed getting together with his extended family, his son said, not doing any particular activity, just enjoying being together. "He invested his life in people," said his son, adding that Daniel "did his best to help people reach their potential." He was a member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. In addition to his son, Mr. Daniel is survived by his wife, Patsy N. Daniel, Lakeland; daughters, Deborah Dufrene, Nacogdoches, Texas, Rebekah Kelleher, Monroe, N.C., Judith Pivk, Lakeland; mother, Anice N. Howell, Prattville, Ala.; brother, Darrell E. Daniel, Wichita Falls, Texas; 15 grandchildren; and three greatgrandchildren. Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. today at Lakeland Funeral Home Chapel. Services will be at 10 a.m. Monday at the funeral home.