Dale Franklin Daniel, age 77 of Lenoir City, passed away Wednesday, June 24, 2026 in Lenoir City, Tennessee. He left this world surrounded by his family with a view of the lake at his home. Dale was lovingly known as “Poppy” to those closest to him.
He was born January 18, 1949 in Fullerton, CA to Ruby and Green Daniel. Dale spent his early years on an orange orchard b efore moving to Whittier, CA where he graduated from Sierra High School. As a boy, he loved playing football and was an honorary Girl Scout, as his mother was a local troop leader.
Dale graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1970 and went Navy Line, serving on the USS Claud Jones, Pearl Harbor. He earned his MBA from Wharton School of Business and co-authored the book, “Black and Other Minority Participation in the All-Volunteer Navy and Marine Corps.” Dale spent his career in Human Resources beginning at General Electric in Valley Forge, PA before eventually working at ABB in Knoxville where his family has since resided for 30 years.
Dale spent his life devoted to serving others at work and in the community throughout his career. After retirement, he participated in volunteer work at KARM so he could continue to offer counseling to those seeking guidance in their career paths.
Even with all that he accomplished, Dale got the most fulfillment from his role as a family man. He supported and loved his three children without ceasing, no matter the age, stage, or questionable choices. His four granddaughters were his shining stars. Dale was an active participant in their daily lives and consistently showed up for events big and small, even as his health was declining. He was known for his dry sense of humor and eating spoonfuls of peanut butter out of the jar.
Dale is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Regina Webb Daniel and sister, Donna Fitzpatrick Brown (Guy). Dale cherished his 3 children, Jessica Marie Walters (Michael), Amanda Patrice Howell, and his son, Jeffrey Scott Daniel. His four granddaughters were the loves of his life, Alexis Daniel, Clare Howell, Isla Walters and Rose Howell.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 633 Saint John Court, Knoxville. Prior to the Funeral Mass, the family will receive friends at the church from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.. Then, family and friends will gather at 1 p.m., July 15, 2026 at Tennessee Veterans Cemetery, 5901 Lyons View Pike, Knoxville for Graveside Services with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations made to the Konkourona Alliance Foundation (KAFO), Inc. to build a high school in a remote village in Burkina Faso, West Africa in honor of Dale. Gifts may be made online at kafo.family or mailed to 17 Endslow Lane, Perkasie, PA 18944.
Click Funeral Home
109 Walnut Street
Lenoir City. TN 37771
Phone: (865) 986-8013
Updated: July 02, 2026
Curator: Ed Moore