FAYETTEVILLE — Charles Eugene Daniel, Jr.,
entered into his eternal rest on Thursday, March 24th, 2022, in Fayetteville, Ark. He is survived by his wife, Rita Wilson Daniel, to whom he was the proud husband of for 49 years. Charlie began his journey on September 19th, 1941 in Texarkana, Texas. He was a graduate of Catholic High School (1960) and the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville (1965).
Those who knew Charlie and anyone who crossed paths with him knew one thing for sure: he was a Razorback through and through, proudly brandishing his 1964 National Championship ring at all times and weaving it into any conversation he could. Many could have believed that Charlie would have regarded his induction into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame alongside his teammates in 2010 as the achievement of his lifetime, however, anyone who knew Charlie also knew this – he considered his family to be the achievement of his lifetime.
At every stage in life and wherever he called home, Charlie was a man who embodied the word “passion”; he fiercely protected and cared for his family and any friends that he made along the way. A Little Rock native, it was here that Charlie chose to raise his family and build a career in business – his determination and perseverance served him exceptionally well in both endeavors. Upon “retirement” (Charlie was not one to sit still – retirement was more of a concept than a¬ lifestyle), following stints in Lakeland and Orlando, FL, Charlie and Rita returned to where Charlie considered home, Fayetteville, Arkansas, in 2014.
In later life, Charlie never slowed down; you could often find him walking his beloved dog, Mac, meticulously working in his yard, attending any Arkansas event he could, and jumping at any chance to be with family. While he may no longer be present on this earthly realm, the products of Charlie’s determination, tenacity, and passion will live on for generations to come.
Charlie is preceded in death by his mother, Lolita Johnson Daniel; his father, Charles E. Daniel, Sr.; and his son, David D. Daniel, Sr. His legacy lives on in those who he has temporarily left behind: brother, Patrick L. Daniel and his wife Patsy; son Charles (Chalky) E. Daniel, III and his wife Terri; and his grandchildren, David Daniel, Jr., Austin Daniel, Duncan Daniel, Preston Daniel, and Jackson Daniel.
The family will hold a celebration of life service to be announced at a later date. Should you wish to honor Charlie’s memory, in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his name to The Razorback Foundation, 1295 South Razorback Rd., Suite A, Fayetteville, Ark. 72701 (gohogs@razorbackfoundation.com), or Catholic High School Foundation, 6300 Father Tribou St., Little Rock, Ark. 72205. To place an online tribute, please visit www.bernafuneralhomes.com.