Ronald Lee Daniels Sr.

Ronald Lee Daniels Sr., 76, transitioned to his eternal home on Sunday, June 16, 2024. Endearingly referred to as “Ron,” he was born to Vernon L. Daniels and Bernice L. Daniels on July 22, 1947, in Dayton, OH.  He knew the Lord as his personal Savior and demonstrated Christ-like character in his kindhearted, loving demeanor.  He often shared life-altering words of wisdom and guidance, making a monumental impact on the lives of many.  

Ron served and protected his country with honor from 1967-1970 in the United States Army, which included duty in the Vietnam War. After his military service, he began employment with General Motors Truck and Bus Division, located in Moraine, OH and retired in June, 2000.

Ron’s greatest passion of all time was in the sweet science and sport of boxing, which he began at a young age in the basement of his childhood home under the tutelage of his father. Over the next six decades, his love for and devotion to the sport only grew stronger. While serving in the Army, he earned a coveted spot on the All Army Team and fearlessly competed in local bouts known as “SMOKERS,” where he won every fight, including those where he was mismatched against heavier opponents as a middleweight facing heavyweights. Ron was known as one of the best talents the Army had ever seen, always crediting his younger brother, Kenneth “Kenny” Daniels, as the true boxing prodigy of the family whom he sparred with and admired deeply. 

Aside from achieving his own personal boxing exploits, he dedicated himself to coaching numerous athletes of all ages, imparting invaluable lessons of discipline, perseverance, skills, and a profound love for the sport. Many of his students went on to achieve success both inside and outside the ring, a testament to his exceptional coaching and mentorship honed over decades of passionate dedication to the sport he cherished. His near and dear boxing trainees/relationships include Billy Young, Craig Thurmond, LaMark Davis, Ron “Beau” Carter, Terry Dixon, Chris Pearson, Daquan “Candyman” Mays, “Lil D” (Demetrius), Ledon Allen, Terry Johnson, Marvin Hyler, Will Clemons, Jeremiah Ruff, Mark Bass, Mike Bass Jr., Damian “New York” Clements, Yamin Mohammed, Michael Evans, Al Mitchell and Tom Archdeacon.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon L. Daniels and Bernice L. Daniels; brothers, Irvin J. Buckner and Gerald E. Buckner; sister, Debra Lynn Daniels; and stepmother, Effie Daniels.

He is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Billie; his children, Ronald L. Daniels, Jr and RaShawnda L. Daniels both of Dayton, OH; his loving brother, Kenneth Daniels, Sr. (Giovanna) of Dayton, OH; stepchildren: Frank A. Patillo, IV of Beaumont, TX, Kevin J. Patillo, Sr. (Sheree), Shawn N. Patillo-Johnson and RoxE L. Austin (Jermaine) of Dayton, OH; aunt, Ann White; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Visitation 4 pm- 7 pm Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at House of Wheat Funeral Home, 2107 N. Gettysburg Avenue, Dayton, OH. Family will receive friends 5 pm- 7 pm. Livestream Celebration of Life service 9:30 am Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at the funeral home. Interment Dayton National Cemetery.

Livestream link: https://www.facebook.com/share/QsD8CkjcbbVQbUkK/?mibextid=9l3rBW

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