Phillip Daniels’ long battle against diabetes and heart disease ended on March 24, 2025, when he passed away peacefully in hospice, with his wife of 54 years by his side. To the end his strength and will to live echoed a full and remarkable life.
Born in Jacksonville, Florida in 1941, Phillip remained Florida-based over the course of his early education and later career paths. After graduating with a BS in Civil Engineering from The Citadel Military College of South Carolina in 1963 he served in the US Army with a deployment to Okinawa as a Hawk Missile Unit Commander, 1st Lieutenant, during the Vietnam era. Followed by four years in the US Army active reserves and was promoted to Captain.
In Central Florida, Phillip established a long and successful career, both as an independent contractor and later business owner, and as the Assistant Director of Utilities for the City of Winter Park through his retirement in 2016. Early on, he had met and married Janet “on the job” and – despite the nature of his work requiring extended travel away from home – he was a loyal and devoted husband, father and grandfather – who was greatly loved in return.
Phillip was gifted with great humor, intellect, a photographic memory and a lifelong twinkle in his eye. His ready smile always reflected a genuine kindness and love of life that captured hearts, while his sheer will and determination captured minds. His Citadel training had uncovered a natural born leader, with the mental and physical strength needed to fight the hard fight.
In later years, he faced every challenge with determination and confidence in his ability to overcome any set back in his many long battles with his health. His positive attitude was the stuff of legends. Once he made up his mind to recover, he endured every treatment and outlived expectations. He never lost his love of life or his will to survive – and was admired and respected by all who knew him.
Phillip is survived by his wife, Janet; two sons, Kenny & Eric (spouse, Jeanine); four grandchildren, Suzi, Dylan, Ally and Gavin; and sister Debra Daniels.
“What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die”
Campbell
Cape Canaveral National Cemetery
April 9th @ 11:15 AM
5525 US Hwy 1 North
Mims, FL