Jay “Sherwood” Daniel, age 67, of Eatonton, Georgia passed away July 13, 2022 at Emory University Hospital on his own terms with his family at his side following a six year battle with illness. He was born in Atlanta, GA on February 3, 1955 to Mary Green Daniel and Henry Edward Daniel.
Sherwood graduated from Southwest DeKalb High School and then spent six years serving in the US Army. After the army, Sherwood became an entrepreneur starting and running several successful businesses including Save-More FoodMart, Atlanta Power Brake, and Clutch Man throughout his career. In the 1980’s and 1990’s, he influenced the lives of many young athletes as a youth soccer coach for the Stone Mountain Steamrollers and Brookwood Steamers.
After retiring in 2018, he moved to reside full-time on Lake Sinclair, GA, undoubtedly his favorite place on Earth. In retirement, he also dabbled in real-estate as a part-time agent. He loved cooking (especially on his Big Green Egg), watching movies, and boating on Lake Sinclair. Sherwood was an outgoing, upbeat man who always tried to lighten the mood with an unexpected off beat joke. He was most proud of his two sons Justin and Josh and loved seeing and spending time with his family and four grandchildren.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers Wayne Daniel, Joseph Daniel, Robert “RT” Daniel, and Russell Daniel.
He is survived by his partner Terry Middendorf Rhodes who selflessly cared for Sherwood throughout his illness; his sons, Justin Daniel, wife Shannan of Cumming, Georgia and Josh Daniel, wife Devin of Portland, Oregon; his grandchildren Clarke, Landon, Connor and Logan Daniel; his brother Henry “Dan” Daniel, wife Cheryl; nephew Jason Daniel, fiancé Alison Benton; and nieces Natalie Fulton-Daniel, wife Eleanor, and Theresa Boyd, husband Ed. He is also survived by Diana Clark Daniel, his former wife and mother of his children.
A private family celebration of Sherwood’s life will be held at a later date. If you would like to honor him, memorial contributions may be made to the American Kidney Fund which provides financial support to patients who are struggling with kidney disease and their families https://fundraise.kidneyfund.org/SherwoodDaniel
We are so very sorry for your loss. Sherwood met a lot to so many people. He will be missed. Prayers for you all. Love, Mark and Maleta Waddleton
Josh and Justin, your extended family is here for you. I’m so very sorry.
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. He was a pleasure talking to when we visited Georgia Tech. Prayers for the family.
Dear Terry and all of your extended family
We are so sorry for your loss. You have my deepest sympathy
A long time friend who I will miss.
Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone during these times. Sherwood coached two of our boys and he created such a positive environment.
I hated hearing this news. He was a dear friend who will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his precious Terry and family.
Loved this man! Great coach and man to look up to. Was fortunate to play for him and with his son Justin in youth soccer. Will forever be remembered as a great human, father, and coach to me. Side note, his back flips after soccer games were legendary, along with his after soccer game pool parties. So welcoming and such a big heart.
Sherwood was the epitome of a hard working and family man! Larry and I were privileged to call him family. We will miss him terribly and we extend our sincere sympathy to Justin, Josh, Terry and their families!
So, so sorry to hear the very sad news about Sherwood’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are heading his way. May he Rest In Peace. Sincere condolences to the whole family.
The Georges Edeline family
It’s clear he made a long term impact on his classmates —keeping the SWD class of 73 together. When he posted those pictures of what he was cooking on Facebook my mouth would water! So sorry for your loss!