William Mack Daniels

William Mack Daniels, age 95, passed away peacefully on February 5, 2025, at Passages Hospice New Orleans after a lengthy illness. A lifelong resident of New Orleans, he was born on January 19, 1930, to the union of the late John B. and Mollie Wallace Daniels. The youngest of eight children, William was known as “Daniels”, “Dan” or “Mack” to family and friends. William attended Valena C. Jones Elementary School and Gilbert Academy in New Orleans. He earned a degree in Mathematics from Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge and a Master’s Degree in Education from Xavier University of New Orleans. In 1955, while in the Army, he married the love of his life, Valda Marie Wilder. Two daughters were born into this union. William worked for more than 43 years in the Orleans Parish School System as a math teacher and guidance counselor retiring in 1996. After retirement, he enjoyed traveling, watching educational programs, and spending time with his family. He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving and devoted wife of 69 years, Valda Wilder Daniels, daughters Theda Daniels-Race, PhD (Paul) and Urica Daniels Regis, MBA (Wayne), grandchildren Kylan (Chelsea), and Peyton Race, and Royce Regis, godsons Irving Joseph Johnson, III and Ado “Joe” Ball, and many more family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, John B. and Mollie Wallace Daniels, his devoted mother-in-law, Vivian Haynes Richmond, and siblings Samuel Payton, Sally Payton Carter, Mary Payton Swearingen, Helen Payton Francois, Edith “Hazel” Daniels Carlton, John Henry Daniels, and Joseph Baldwin Daniels. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Celebration of Life Services on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at St. Rita Catholic Church at 2729 Lowerline Street in New Orleans. Visitation will be from 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM with the mass immediately following. Interment: Lake Lawn Park Cemetery & Mausoleum 5454 Pontchartrain Boulevard, New Orleans. Arrangements entrusted to D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Ave. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook