Paul R. Daniels, 76, of Scottsdale, Ariz. passed away on October 13, 2022 with his family by his side. He called Mountain View, and Scottsdale home. Paul was born in his great grandparents dogtrot house, December 13, 1945 in rural Drew County, to John and Vivian Daniels. He was the youngest of three boys, The Late Honorable Charles Daniels was Paul’s oldest brother and was an attorney and the Chief Supreme Court Justice of New Mexico. The late Martin Daniels lived most of his life in the oil fields of West Texas, had an engineering degree from The University of Arkansas, and lived a life of solitude. Paul graduated high school from Sandia High in Albuquerque, N.M. He met Teresa through his mother, Vivian, in Albuquerque and they found their way back to South Arkansas to his great grandparents’ farm and was the third generation owners of the old home place. Paul and Teresa created their family on that old place with three daughters, Amy, Paula, and Carrie. It was very important to Paul to carry on the legacies of Lem and Mellie Baker, and John and Vivian Daniels. The land was to be nurtured and worked to provide sustainable food sources and regenerate nature in the most humble way for the family. He attended the “School of Lem Baker” and educated himself by living life with dogged determination, hard work, and the willingness to learn every single day. Paul, Teresa, and their girls lived on the farm for over ten years until they realized the importance of living closer to town for school activities. Paul and Teresa bought three tax offices in South Arkansas. Later, sold all three and bought one tax office in Conway. Paul continued to develop his talents and skills and became licensed in securities while owning the tax office in Conway. He was approached by an Investment Representative to consider Edward Jones as a career choice. Paul accepted the opportunity and moved the family to Edmond, Okla. He soon realized he was out of his comfort zone and element, packed up Teresa, Paula, and Carrie and headed back to Monticello. Amy stayed behind to attend college. He sent in his resignation to the home office by mail. What seemed like a month later, the home office contact called him and refused his resignation. Ultimately, he moved the family to Searcy, in 1984, and Paul never looked back for twenty years. He knocked on over 10,000 doors and wore out a few pairs of shoes in a few years to build the practice in Searcy. In 1984, there was one office. Today, there are ten offices in White County and those offices serve clients across America. He was a partner and a leader of the firm, and served folks for twenty years not only in White County but in over fifteen states. He used his experiences and knowledge to serve and lead others to their own success. He always went back to the farm lessons, “Get a bucket”, to persevere through all challenges turning them in to opportunity for all, and never forgetting where he came from. Nothing was more important than his family and all of his decisions were based on protecting those he loved the most. He would always go in to battle ahead of his four gals to make sure the trail was safe enough to travel. He was quite the trailblazer. He and Teresa traveled the world, met wonderful people, and had life-changing experiences. He was an avid fisherman and fished all over the U.S. and Canada. He loved elk hunting in The Gila Mountains around Winston, New Mexico, and hunted deer and moose in Canada. Paul ran over 107 competitive races including a half Ironman in 2017, and rode his bike the entire distance of both The Katy Trail (240 miles) and The Natchez Trace (444 miles). He studied Spanish for over twenty years, traveled and immersed himself in the language in Mexico, Nicaragua, Chili, and Guatemala over those years. He played guitar and was always up for a family singing. Paul and family were highly competitive at Spades, and to the point that some family members were banned (Amy’s husband, Chane) for talking too much. Paul believed in giving back in both talent and resources. Simply, he was a philanthropist and gave to nonprofits every year for most of his adult life. It was just part of his nature and his heart. He provided educational opportunities for children in Nicaragua, raising over $30,000 to provide a mobile library for children who would not otherwise have access to books. Currently, our family is carrying on his legacy of providing a college education and a private elementary education for two children in Nicaragua. He was a Rotarian and welcomed the first female to Rotary in Searcy. He supported his conservative values, brain cancer research, children’s healthcare, international healthcare for children with cleft palates, and so many more. Paul never believed the world was just about his needs and felt such satisfaction in giving back and serving others. He learned this lesson from his incredible momma, Vivian. A few days before his passing, he informed his hospice doctor of the fact he was going to “ride this mule until its nose hits the dirt”, and folks he did exactly that! Paul is survived by his wife of 57 years, Teresa Daniels, his three daughters Amy Daniels-Carter (Chane) of Searcy, Paula Daniels of Mt. View, (Floki, Bella, Jane, and Freckles), and Carrie Dick of Scottsdale (Kevin). Paul is also survived by his grandchildren, Lindsey Mann, Andrew Mann, Patti Daniels, Mason Dick, and Bailee Dick, and great grandchildren, Kaylee Mann, Jayden Mann, Addison Mann, Bailee Mann, he loved Tucker Shockley like a great grandchild, Juhl Mann, and Ari Mann. Paul did not wish to have a formal memorial service, however a private burial for family will be held in the Spring of 2023. There his ashes and his two brothers ashes will be laid to rest in the family “water box” with their parents at Lone Sassafras Cemetary in Drew County. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Cancer Center of Excellence in Searcy or Scottsdale Hospice of the Valley would be so appreciated to honor Paul’s memory.
