Willis Daniel

Willis L. "Bill" Daniel, 99, of Colonial Heights died Tuesday, June 19. He was a native of Danieltown in Brunswick County, Virginia, son of the late Ashton S. and Lottie Moore Daniel, and was the widower of Elizabeth Cheely Daniel and Nell Bickings Popoczy. He was also preceded in death by five brothers, Calvin, Mason, Vincent, Raymond, and George; a sister, Edith D. Williams Jacobson; grandson, Mark Harrison; step-grandson, Andrew Bresko; and son-in-law, Donald Wells. He retired February 28, 1975, after 45 years of service with Commonwealth of Virginia, Department of Transportation, and the Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike Authority. He was with the Department of Transportation for 25 years, serving in several capacities in the maintenance, construction, equipment, and division office departments. In 1945, as Associate Fiscal Manager, he developed and installed a new statewide centralized accounting system, using automated data processing methods. The last 20 years, 1955-1975, of his career he was with the Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike Authority, serving as Director of Finance, Purchasing, Property and Stores, Advertising, and Risk Manager. In absence of the Executive Director, he was acting Executive Director. He served the Appomattox River Water Authority as Financial Consultant from 1978 until recent years. Bill is a life member of the Risk and Insurance Management Society. He served RIMS as President of the Virginia-Carolina Chapter, as National Secretary, and as National Vice President. He was very active in the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association, serving as Chairman of the Finance committee for several years, during which time he and a representative of the American Bankers Association developed a plan of uniform reporting of financial data for benefit of the investment banking industry and bond holders. He was a charter member of the Colonial Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and had served his local, district, and regional church in many capacities as Deacon, Elder, Bible school teacher, Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Willis is survived by a son, Gerald L. "Jerry" Daniel (Beverly) of Moon in Mathews County, Virginia; two daughters, Joyce D. Wells of Colonial Heights and Sandra D. Harrison (Gerald) of Dinwiddie County; step-daughter, Nancy P. Bresko (George) of Prince George; eight grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and two nieces, Bonnie Jean D. Tucker (Lynn) of Orlando, Florida and Susie Rae D. Poole (John) of Lynchburg. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday June 23, 2012 at Colonial Christian Church, 295 Dunlop Farms Boulevard, Colonial Heights, Virginia with the Reverend Kathryn Hull officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, Chester. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Friday at the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory, 2033 Boulevard. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Colonial Christian Church Capitol Improvement Building Fund.