01/13/2026
Earnest David Daniels, 70, of Woodman, KY, passed away early Saturday morning, January 10, 2026, while a resident in the Good Shepherd Post-Acute and Rehabilitation Center of Phelps, KY. Born on January 23, 1955, in Majestic, KY, He was a son of the late Richard Daniels and Gertrude Daniels who survives him. David was a man rooted in the mountains he loved, steady, hardworking, and rich in the kind of quiet strength that speaks louder than words.
In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his wife, Wilma Daniels; his granddaughter, Kaitlyn Daniels; and his brother, Raymond Harmon Daniels.
He was a faithful member of the Stopover Church of God of Stopover, KY and Woodman Community Church of Stopover, KY. David found comfort in his faith and in the fellowship of his church family. For 24 years he worked as a coal miner, providing for those he loved through honest labor and long days underground. He was also a proud member of the UMWA District 17, always standing with the brotherhood that meant so much to him.
When his health allowed, David’s happiest moments were simple and true: hunting and fishing, getting his hands in the dirt with his garden, and raising farm animals. He found joy in the everyday blessings, fresh air, a good season, a good story, and good company. He will be remembered for his love of family, his down-to-earth spirit, and the way he valued friends who felt more like kin.
David is survived by his mother, Gertrude Daniels of Majestic, KY; his sons, Larry Daniels and his wife Cathy and Paul David Daniels, both of Majestic, KY; his granddaughter, Makayla Daniels; his brothers, Dennis Daniels and his wife Rhonda of Frenchburg, KY and Billy Daniels and his wife Tammy of Majestic, KY; and his sisters, Mary Prater of Majestic, KY, Joanne Grubb of Majestic, KY, Delinda Kate Miller and her husband Donnell of Grundy, VA, and Barbara Skeen of Pikeville, KY.
He also leaves behind cherished friends who meant the world to him: Randy Biliter, John P. Biliter, Darrell Wolford, Odis Blankenship, and Buddy Gannon, as well as the Appalachian 1st Response ambulance crew, who took him to dialysis for many years and treated him like family.
The family will begin receiving friends on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, and Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the Stopover Church of God, 50283 KY-194, Stopover, KY 41568, with special services beginning at 7 p.m. nightly.
Honoring services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, January 16, 2026, in the church, with Pastor Harold Layne, Pastor Odis Blankenship, Bro. Chris Casey, Bro. Darrel Wolford, and Bro. Mike Smith officiating. Burial will then follow in the Daniels Family Cemetery of Majestic, KY, with nephews and friends serving as pallbearers.
Expressions of sympathy may also be shared with the family by visiting www.chambersfuneralservices.com
Arrangements for the Earnest David Daniels family are in the care of Chambers Funeral Services, Inc., in Matewan, WV.