The Reverend Dr. E. Randolph “Randy” Daniel, devoted husband of Lois “Frankie” Daniel since 1960, died on Friday, February 23, 2024 in Lexington, KY at the age of 88.
A longtime professor of medieval history at the University of Kentucky, he was born in Richmond, VA to Leon S. and Emmette S. Daniel. He attended Davidson College, graduating in 1958. He studied at Union Theological Seminary in Virginia, and was ordained as a minister in the Presbyterian Church USA in 1961. He earned his Masters in Divinity at Harvard Divinity School, before transferring to the University of Virginia on an NDEA fellowship. He completed his Ph.D. in 1966, and accepted a position as an assistant professor at the University of Kentucky. He was chairman of the history department for four years during his tenure until his retirement as a full professor in 2000. He enjoyed introducing students to medieval history, published several books and many papers, with a focus on the influential medieval abbot and theologian Joachim of Fiore. Randy was also Kentucky chair for National History Day for many years, organizing the competition within the state of Kentucky.
Randy is survived by his wife of 63 years, Frankie Daniel, his daughter Ellen Randolph Nichols and husband Doyle Nichols, his son Dr Stuart Daniel and his wife Tami Daniel, and six grandchildren: Daniel Nichols (wife Tamara Estes), Molly Nichols Seeman (husband Scott Seeman), Anna Nichols, Amanda Daniel, Jessica Daniel, and Rebecca Daniel. He was preceded in death by his brothers Hugh Daniel and Dr Edwin Daniel, and sister Lillian Stuart Andrews.
A lifelong lover of music, literature and travel, Randy was a former Vice President of the Friends of the Library and an active member of the Lexington Singers and the Lexington Chamber Music Society. He was a devoted father and grandfather, presiding at the wedding ceremonies for both of his children and baptizing all of his grandchildren. He could often be found watching sporting events and concerts involving his children and grandchildren.
The family burial service will be 3pm Friday, March 1, 2024 at the Lexington Cemetery. The memorial service will be on March 2, 2024 at 11am at Hunter Presbyterian Church, 109 Rosemont Garden, Lexington KY, and all are welcome to attend. The family will receive friends at the church prior to the service beginning at 10:15am. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his name can be made to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, pda.pcusa.org.