Ronald Cary Daniel's Obituary
Ronald “Cary” Daniel, age 78, of Lewes, DE, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and lifelong friend Dr. Michael Daly, on March 4th, 2024.
Born on December 30th, 1945 in Hartford, Kentucky, to Glendall Maurice Daniel and Ina Faye (Young) Daniel, Cary was known to his close friends and family as “Big Cary” as his daughter (namesake) was known as “Little Carrie.”
From a young age, Cary exhibited a bright mind and a passion for reading. It is said by his family that he often preferred sitting inside with a good book to playing games outside with his brother and cousins. His passion for reading stayed with him throughout his life, and he spent much time taking in new knowledge about history and other subjects. He knew a little something about just about everything.
Though classically introverted, all who met Cary, strangers included, experienced his fun sense of humor. He never missed a Kentucky Wildcats basketball game as a lifelong fan of the team and sport. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Kentucky in 1968 and was recruited by NASA but turned down the position in order to support the family business at home. He joined the reserves during the Vietnam War and served for 6 years. During this time, he met and married the love of his life, Cynthia (Brewer) Daniel.
Cary started his career as an engineer and moved his way up managerial ranks, first managing teams of engineers and then overseeing manufacturing plants. His work opportunities took him from his homeland of Kentucky to Indiana, Missouri, Florida, and Delaware, where he happily resided since the mid-90s. He served as the Director of Operations at Dentsply Caulk and very much enjoyed the beauty and history of the seaside town of Lewes.
Cary loved fatherhood; his favorite life memories were of spending time with his children Brent and Carrie as they grew up. In his later years, Cary took on his cherished role as “Papaw” to granddaughters Izzy and Vivi.
He was preceded in passing by his father Glendall “Glen” Daniel, mother Ina Faye Daniel, brother Landreth Michael “Mike” Daniel, and brothers-in-law Thomas “Britt” Brewer, Brady Brewer, and Roger Seacord.
Cary is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Cynthia “Cindy” Daniel, daughter Carrie Daniel, son Brent (Maggie) Daniel, granddaughters Isabelle and Vivian Daniel, sisters-in-law Sheila Daniel, Zilda (Jim) Wilson, Lorie Gambill, Merry Belle Seacord, Beth Brewer, and Clara Brewer, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Always calm in the face of life’s curveballs and challenges, Cary overcame many health obstacles in the final 22 of his 78 years, defying the odds on multiple, miraculous occasions. Cary was a true embodiment of “mind over matter” and was at peace with his long and beautiful life. He carried great love and compassion for his family, friends, and world. May his life and ethos be an inspiration to all.
To honor Cary’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. He requested, in lieu of flowers, that all who knew and loved him carry out an act of kindness in his honor.
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