Obituaries

Ronnie E. (Sonny) Daniels, Jr.

Romie E. Daniels, Jr. (Sonny), 77, of Newport News, passed away at home peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, July 23, 2021. Born and raised in Newport News, he was a graduate of Warwick High School. He spent thirty-seven years of his career at the Newport News Shipyard working for the Department of Defense (SUPSHIPS) where he had many friends and enjoyed the camaraderie. He was a Veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves and the U.S. Army Reserves.

He led an active life of adventure enjoying hunting, camping, water and snow skiing, sailing, golf, and shared many hours of those interests with his children. One of his greatest joys was traveling when he could to visit his grandchildren, spending many hours playing with them. When he retired, he and the love of his life, his wife, Kay, boarded their trawler (China Doll) and embarked on what he may have thought was his greatest adventure, living aboard their boat for eight months traveling to Florida and back. Ultimately, his greatest adventure was his journey to a deeper faith as his health declined and he understood in a meaningful way the love his Savior, Jesus had for him. He and Kay were active at Waters Edge Church for years and volunteered as greeters.

Sonny was preceded in death by his parents, Romie E. Daniels and Julia Daniels, his sister, Jean Ford, and his grandson, Chase David Daniels. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Kay Brooks Daniels; children Trey Daniels (Amanda), David Daniels (Marcela), Karen Little (Mark); sister-in-law, Bonnie Lambert (Geoffrey C. Lambert, Major General U.S. Army, Ret.); brother-in-law, Robert Eastwood Brooks (Janie); and grandchildren, Grayson, Addison, Sofia, Cameron, and Cristian.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, July 26, 2021, at Peninsula Funeral Home at 2:00 p.m. immediately followed by a visitation.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to UNC Children’s Hospital (UNC Health Foundation, 123 W. Franklin Street, Suite 510, Chapel Hill, NC 27516 https://unchealthfoundation.org/giving/ways-to-give/).

Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601.

9 Comments

  1. Phil and Sharon

    We are so sorry to hear of Romie’s passing. We will always remember all the good times we had. We wish you and your family fond memories and we will keep you in our prayers.
    Love, Captain and Captainette

  2. Dr Peggie Robertson

    We were marina neighbors to Kay and Sonny at the Customs House Marina in Hampton for over twenty years. We shared many wonderful memories on our boats, especially on the weekends. Sonny was always warm and welcoming to us. We missed him when they left the marina. May God grant you comfort and peace Kay.
    Sincerely,
    Ed and Peggie Robertson
    (Perceptions)

  3. Ed and Peggie Robertson

    We were marina neighbors to Kay and Sonny at the Customs House Marina in Hampton for over twenty years. We shared many wonderful memories on our boats, especially on the weekends. Sonny was always warm and welcoming to us. We missed him when they left the marina. May God grant you comfort and peace Kay.
    Sincerely,
    (Perceptions)

  4. Dr. Peggie J. Robertson

    Ed and I were marina neighbors at Custom House Marina in Hampton for over twenty years. Ed and Sonny fixed boats together and shared many stories of the sea. We have many good memories with Kay and Sonny on the pier especially on the weekends. May God grant you comfort and peace Kay.

  5. Val and Steve Papkey

    We were so sorry to learn of Sonny’s passing. He was such a nice man. We had many good time together when we were all at the marina. Sending prayers for your family. Love to your all.

  6. Maxine Rodgers

    Dear Daniel’s family. I am so sadden to hear of Sonny’s passing. I have so many fond memories of visits with my Newport News cousins as children. He has a special place in my heart.

  7. Shelby Dodd

    I was so very sad to hear of Sonny’s passing when i returned to Newport News this week.
    He was a dear sweet man who will be missed by many.
    We are so very blessed to have had him as a neighbor.
    We will all take comfort knowing he is safe in the arms of Jesus.
    God be with you Kay and family.
    You are in my prayers

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