Asheville – John Nelson Daniel, 85, who was a driving force in Asheville’s business and civic leadership for more than 40 years, died Thursday, April 10, 2008, at John F. Keever Solace Center in Asheville.
Mr. Daniel and his family moved to Biltmore Forest in 1961 when he was assigned to open and manage Square D’s first plant in North Carolina. In 1971 his responsibilities were extended to Manager, General Purpose Control Division, and he was promoted to Manager, Control Group, in 1973 with responsibility for six manufacturing plants in five states.
He was promoted to Corporate Vice President in 1974 and retired in 1986 as Vice President of the Control Division.
For almost 40 years, Mr. Daniel was a leader in civic affairs and a major contributor to the Asheville community, sharing in the vision for Pack Place Education, Arts & Science Center as its cofounder and in numerous charitable organizations. As a tireless and persuasive fund-raiser, he helped to raise millions of dollars for worthwhile endeavors, including a multi-million dollar donation that secured creation of the Solace Center, where he quietly passed away.
A creative storyteller and clever prankster, Mr. Daniel was an engaging personality in the presence of presidents as well as buddies on the golf course. He was devoted to his family and delighted in spending time with his grandchildren, who knew him simply as Big D.
He was interested in politics and assisted many local candidates. In his only personal campaign in 1968, he was the first Republican in 40 years to be elected as a Buncombe County Commissioner.
Mr. Daniel’s greater legacy, however, was realized in his civic efforts. A former president of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, he was honored in 1989 with the prestigious Big A Award for service to the community. He was the founder of the Asheville-Buncombe Community Relations Council and was voted as one of the 50 Most Influential People of the Century in Western North Carolina.
A career-long supporter of United Way, he was honored with United Way’s prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award in 1994. Along with the late Sam Irvin, he was a co-founder of the United Way Peaks Society for major contributors. He served as a member of the North Carolina Governor’s Council on Economic Development, and was the first Chairman of the Board of Advisors of Mars Hill College. He also served as a member of the Board of Directors of the N.C. State College of Engineering Foundation.
In 2002 Mr. Daniel was presented the Western Carolina Industries Heritage Award for his career-long service to the business community. He was chairman of the first Asheville-Buncombe County Arts Fund Drive and a past president of the Community Arts Council. In 1990 he was named outstanding Volunteer of the Year by the N.C. Association of Arts Councils.
He served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Better Business Bureau, the YMCA, the Mountain Area Hospice Foundation, the W.N.C. Community Foundation, and the N.C. Citizens for Business and Industry. He was a member of the Asheville Downtown Commission, and had been a member of the Civitan Club. He had chaired the Asheville Area Chapter of the American Red Cross and was selected by Wachovia Bank & Trust Co. to serve on its Board of Managers.
Mr. Daniel was a member of Biltmore Forest Country Club and the Asheville Downtown City Club where he was a director and president. He was a member of All Souls Episcopal Church.
