Randy Daniel Named State Coroner of the Year

Submitted by Douglas County

Douglas County Coroner Randy Daniel has been named “Coroner of the Year” by the Georgia Coroners Association. The honor is voted by the 154 County Coroners in the State, and was announced at the recent annual Association Convention held in Macon.

The award has been given annually since 1992 to recognize outstanding public service as Coroner and as a citizen of the County in which the Coroner serves. Mr. Daniel was nominated by Deputy Coroner Nathan Mitchell, Sheriff Phil Miller, Fire Chief Scott Spencer, and Douglasville Police Chief Chris Womack.

The nomination noted that Mr. Daniel had served as Deputy Coroner of Douglas County for 10 years before he was elected Coroner, a position he has now held for 22 years. He set up the County’s indigent care funeral system, and ensures that indigent cases receive the highest degree of reverence and dignity. Every death case which he investigates is handled with respect, regardless of the circumstances surrounding the passing.

Outside of the office, Mr. Daniel has been an Ordained Deacon and Choir Director for over 30 years. He visits numerous schools explaining his unique perspective of the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse. He served in the National Guard, and actively participates in local civic clubs. For the past 11 years, Mr. Daniel and his staff personally prepare over 300 Thanksgiving Day meals for the Sheriff’s Department, Police Department, Fire Department, E911 Operators, and hospital staff who have to work on the holiday. His chili at the annual CAC Chili Cook-Off is always the one to beat.

The award presentation was not announced in advance and was a complete surprise to Mr. Daniel who accepted it with humility and emotion. “Never in my life would I have imagined that the work I do and love would be recognized by my peers,” he said. “It is something I will always remember, and I am grateful that the citizens of Douglas County allow me to serve them in the best way that I know how.” Mr. Daniel was presented the award by Sonny Wilson, Coroner of Athens-Clark County and Chairman of the Nomination Committee. Mr. Daniel’s wife and daughter were told of the award in advance and surprised him at the award program with their attendance.

A native of Douglas County, Mr. Daniel attended local schools and graduated from Douglas County High School in 1972. He is Certified by the State of Georgia as a Coroner, and has attended the Police Academy each of the last 28 years for continuing education and certification. Mr. Daniel is the owner of Daniel Floor Covering of Douglasville. He serves on the Board of Directors of United Community Bank of Douglas County.

The Coroner is an elected County official who is required by law to investigate deaths, including those as a result of violence; by suicide or casualty; suddenly when in apparent good health; when unattended by a physician; in any suspicious or unusual manner; for children between birth and age seven; and by an inmate. His major role is to help establish the cause and manner of death, and to notify families of the passing of a family member or loved one. If the death is due to an infectious disease, the Coroner must notify proper authorities so that measures to protect the Public may be implemented. Coroners have the authority to hold an inquest on any case.

(Photo: Randy Daniel, right, with Clarke County coroner Sonny Wilson. Credit: Douglas County)