Frankie L. Daniels, 74, died unexpectedly of an apparent heart attack on Friday on his own land while preparing his deer stand for the opening of bow season. Frankie made a difference in many lives in his long, fruitful career in law enforcement and criminal justice. Born on August 5, 1942 in Pontotoc County to Ivy Earl and Ola Morris Daniels, Frankie grew up in Quitman County, Lambert, MS and graduated from High School there in 1961. He married his childhood sweetheart, Nancy Sue Ward on February 8, 1962 in Walnut, MS, a marriage of 55 years that grew in strength, purpose and love until his return to his Creator on Friday. Frankie graduated with a BS degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Mississippi in 1973. Officer Daniels started his law enforcement career in 1974 as Chief of Police in the City of Pontotoc. He spent the next 25 plus years as an officer with the State Tax Commission, ABC Division. In 1998, he was elected Sheriff of Pontotoc County. He and Nancy retired to their Pontotoc County farm in 2000 where they enjoyed the peace and tranquility of God’s creation, their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and many friends. A highly regarded law enforcement officer, Sheriff Daniels was fair and just, yet stern and respected by all in fulfilling his duties. He loved his service to his fellow man and was an engaged red blooded American patriot who loved his country. He loved the outdoors, hunting, gardening, reading, traveling and engaging in jovial conversation with family and friends. He was a committed Christian, a former Gideon and a longtime member of Parkway Baptist Church.
A service celebrating his life will be held at 2 PM Monday, October 3, 2016 at Parkway Baptist Church with Rev. Kenneth Corley and Bro. Matt Scopel officiating. Visitation will be from 4 PM-7 PM today (Sun., October 2, 2016) at Parkway Baptist Church, 1302 Lee Street in Tupelo. A family committal service, with full law enforcement honors, will follow in the Daniels Family Cemetery on their land in Pontotoc County. Holland Funeral Directors, Tupelo Chapel is honored to be sharing this time with the family.
Those who loved him most and considered him their “Rock” include his wife, Nancy Ward Daniels of the Blue Springs area; his daughters, Regina Ann Bolen (Randy) of Sherman, Cathy Werner (Bryson) of the Blue Springs area and Kim Napier (Greg) of Belden; six grandchildren who knew him as PaPa; Jessie Erin Stubbs (Cameron), Ashley Pfahler (Josh), Christian Thomas, Grant Werner (Laken), Justin Werner (Katie) and Luke Werner (Summer); eight great-grandchildren; three 3 sisters, Jean Allen, Wanda Hall and Nelda Fagan all of Toccopola; a sister-in-law, Connie Randleman (Richard) of Yadkinville, NC, numerous nieces and nephews and their families. Frankie was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, Freddy, Curt, William and Earl Daniels and a sister, Myrnie Koger; his mother-in-law: Carrie Elizabeth Ward-“Mama Susie”.
Pallbearers will be grandson’s and his three sons-in-law. Honorary pallbearers will be his associates at ABC Commission and all past and present law enforcement officers.
Memorials may be made to Gideon’s International, P. O. Box 2647, Tupelo, MS 38803 or to the Mississippi Sheriffs’ Boys and Girls Ranch, P. O. Box 746, Columbus, MS 39703-0746.
