O'Dell G. "Dan" Daniel

Dr. O. G. (Dan) Daniel passed away at his home on May 18, 2017. He was the son of Leonard D. and Martha Ann White Daniel. Born in Paris, Arkansas, he attended public school there graduating from Paris High School in 1940. Following his graduation from Arkansas State Teachers College he served in the Armed Forces during World War II. He then received a B.S. in Animal Science from the University of Maryland in 1949 and his M.S. and his Doctorate from Oklahoma State University in 1957.
He served as Associate Professor of Animal Science and then Dean of Agriculture at Panhandle A&M College in Goodwill, Oklahoma. In 1958, he was appointed head of the University of Georgia Extension Animal Science Department and retired as Chairman of the Division of Animal Science at the University of Georgia in 1981. Dr. Dan, as he was affectionately known to thousands of 4-H Club members and others throughout the cattle industry, was an innovator and organizer. During his time at the University of Georgia, he revitalized the 4-H livestock program, formed the Beef Cattle Improvement Association, acted as official judge at livestock shows in over 22 states, and supervised the activities of over 40 animal scientists engaged in teaching, research, and extension work. His many awards and honors include Alpha Zeta, AG Hon, Ag Alumni Hall of Fame, Ga Agricultural Hall of Fame, Ga Angus Hall of Fame, Ga Cattlemen Hall of Fame, OSU Advanced Degree Graduate of Distinction and Outstanding Extension Award from the Georgia Alumni Association. His portrait hangs in the Cattle Industry Hall of Fame at the Saddle and Sirloin Club in Louisville, Kentucky.
Dr. Dan was a member of Colbert Baptist Church where he served as deacon and teacher of the Dan Daniel Sunday School class for over 40 years. He loved Angus cattle and was a partner with his son Randy in Partisover Ranch near Colbert, Georgia.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 72 years, Nemah Nunnlee Daniel. He is survived by 3 children; daughter and son in law Dannette and Andy Denman, son and daughter in law Randy and Beth Daniel, and daughter and son in law Pam and David Loughridge. Also surviving are 5 grandchildren; Drew and wife Ashley Denman, Mary Beth and husband Seth Cole, Buck and wife Jenna Daniel, Whitney and husband Adam White, and Jim Loughridge. Dr. Dan also had 4 great grandchildren; Addison Denman, Jack Denman, Susannah Cole, Clayton Daniel and a soon to be born baby White. A host of nieces and nephews also survive as well as special caregivers.
Funeral services will be held Sunday, May 21, 2017 at 3PM at Colbert First Baptist Church with Rev. Brad Wilson and Rev. Pete Wall officiating. Interment will follow at Colbert Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church fellowship hall following the interment.