Dr. Robert “Bob” William Daly, Jr 81, was born on October 3rd, 1943, in Birmingham (Irondale), Alabama, and passed away on December 24th, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert William Daly and Vena Holliman Daly Buchheit, and his sister Mary Daly Herrin.
Dr. Daly is survived by his wife, Adela Joy Daly, his son John Robert Daly (Tammy), daughters Susanna Carol Daly and Iris Vivian Daly, and his stepson Shane Paschal. He also leaves behind his grandchildren John Alexander Daly, Jackson Anthony Daly, Cason Daly Williams, and AnnaCarol Marie Howell, along with many extended family members.
Dr. Daly received his PhD in Botany from Auburn University in 1971. He was a professor of Biology, beginning at Athens State University and the University of North Alabama, teaching for 44 years and retiring in 2013. He was a passionate educator to over 41,000 students and placed high value on being on time and prepared, paying attention, and following instructions. He helped shape the professions of many medical professionals and educators in the north Alabama area. He loved seeing his former students at appointments and around Florence.
He was a naturalist from a young age and loved being outside in the quiet solitude of the woods and enjoyed time at the beach immensely. He was well known for his hummingbird banding and shared those tiny creatures with many, something they will not soon forget, if ever. He also banded common birds for over 50 years for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior, contributing to tracking their migratory patterns. He spent his time working on his home and land and developed it into a Certified Treasure Forest by the State of Alabama.
He fiercely loved his family and had pride in his Irish heritage. He instilled in his children to use their brains, think for themselves, and gave them the freedom to live their lives. He spent countless hours with his best friend of over 50 years, Reece Stewart, hunting, fishing, and swapping stories. He loved cats and was known as the cat whisperer. A devoted YMCA member, he enjoyed working out and chatting with his Y buddies on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings. He will forever be missed by many, but his legacy and imprint will live on.
Visitation will be Monday, December 30, 2024, 2:00 to 4:00 pm with a memorial service at 4:00 pm, at Williams Funeral Home in Florence, Alabama. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you plant a tree or flowers, hang a hummingbird or bird feeder, or simply go outside and enjoy nature like Dr. Daly did and think of him.
