REEDVILLE—Ronald Wayne Daniel, 76, passed away peacefully at his home in Reedville on October 21, 2025.
Known to friends as Ronnie, he lived in various parts of Virginia throughout his life, spending his early years in Bedford on a farm and later residing in Winchester. As a young man, he served honorably in the Vietnam War. He later worked as a handyman and a delivery driver where he knew the roads of Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., like the back of his hand.
In his later years, Ronnie retired to the Northern Neck with his longtime partner, Jan Esham, who preceded him in death. Together, they made Reedville their home.
Ronnie was a familiar and beloved presence in the local community. He had a servant’s heart—always looking for ways to help others, often in quiet and thoughtful ways. He was known for his generosity: inviting others to join him for a meal, delivering lunch to local workers, or showing up with pizza for a friend. Over time, the staff at local restaurants and small businesses became more than acquaintances—they became his chosen family.
Ronnie faced many hardships in life, but he met them with resilience, compassion and unwavering faith. Though not a regular churchgoer, he lived his faith in action. He never ate a meal—whether at home or in public—without pausing to thank God for it.
Ronnie will be remembered with love by a niece, Terry Watson (Dean), of his late partner and their daughter, Casey, along with numerous cousins and the many friends and chosen family he made throughout his life.
In lieu of flowers, please honor Ronnie’s memory by doing something kind for someone else: offer a compliment, visit someone who’s lonely, support a cause that matters to you, or take a quiet moment to say grace. Ronnie believed in gratitude, service, and making life a little better for those around him.
A celebration of life will take place at 2 p.m. November 23 at Newsome’s Restaurant in Burgess.
