Tom W. Daniel

The Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee announces Funeral Services for Mr. Tom W. Daniel, age 78 of Hiawassee who passed away on Sunday, January 22, 2017.

Tom was born in Athens, Georgia on January 18, 1939. He held a Bachelor's of Science in Physics from the University of Georgia Class of 1961.He attended Law School at the University of Georgia graduating with a Juris Doctorate in 1965. After law school, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army. He served at Fort Knox as an infantry instructor, and also was in the JAG Corps.

After his military service, he practiced law in Perry, Georgia and later moved to Hiawassee, Georgia. His law practice specialized in Public Utility Law; County and Municipality Law; Insurance Defense Litigation; Corporate Law and Eminent Domain. He was a Member of the Houston County Bar Association, and served as President in 1978. Tom was also a member of the State Bar of Georgia.

Tom loved being outdoors. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. He also loved flying his plane. Tom was a member of McConnell Baptist Church. He was known for his "cooking" skills, whether it was his delicious biscuits or just grilling hot dogs for the youth. He was a cheerful volunteer and always smiling.

Tom served as a deacon, substitute Sunday School leader, worked with Security, and was on the Finance Committee, Audio AV/Camera Committee, Hospitality Committee, Bylaws Committee, and the Missions Committee. He helped remodel the old Sanctuary, which is now the Lodge where the youth meet and also the KidStreet Worship area. He served with multiple mission teams to Kyrgyzstan, Peru, and the Amazon.

Tom is survived by his wife, Patsy H. Daniel; son, Tom "Dan" W. Daniel, III and his wife Kim of Tallahassee, FL; daughter, Dawn Jerles and her husband Billy of Perry, GA; step-children, Lynne (Jim) Stokkeland of Hiawassee, Bill (Amy) Rahn of Hiawassee, and Brenda (Zeke) Bryant of Blairsville. Sharing in his legacy are: 3 grandchildren, 7 step-grandchildren, and 9 great step-grandchildren. Tom was preceded in death by his father and mother, Tom and Agnes Daniel.

Funeral Services in Hiawassee, Georgia will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 26, 2017 at McConnell Memorial Baptist Church with Pastor Steven Taylor officiating. Special Music will be performed by Wayne Hundley, Bill Coen, and Summer Rahn. Military Honors will be presented by the North Georgia Honor Guard. The family will receive friends at the church from noon until the service begins.

Funeral Services in Perry, Georgia will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 27, 2017 at Perry United Methodist Church. Entombment will follow at Perry Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at Perry United Methodist Church from 10 a.m. until the service begins.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Runa Simi Missions online at http://runasimi.com/index.php/donate/ or The Gideons International online at https://www2.gideons.org/

Arrangements entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee.