Daniel O. Christian

Daniel was a 1961 graduate of Church Hill High School where he excelled in both football and track, and finished 2nd in the Tennessee State Finals in the 100 yard dash. He loved reliving the good ole days with his classmates and was always the life of the party. Daniel was a wonderful husband, father, papaw and friend. He loved to joke, play tricks and dress up in costume, especially as Santa for his grandchildren. He enjoyed gardening and was an avid UT football fan. He was a retired truck driver and lived in Hawaii for several years where he was never mistaken for a local because of his southern accent. Daniel is survived by his loving wife of 28 years Marita Christian, three daughters and sons-in-law, Debbie and Darryl Marsh of Church Hill, Karen and Tim Gardner, Wendy and Chris Bailey all of Surgoinsville, three grandchildren Amanda Mowell, Joe Marsh and Lorelai Bailey. Sisters-in-law Jean Reed, Luz Vizcarr, Tessie Elefane, Nenita Julin and brother-in-law Jesus Vizcarr. Special friends Wendell (Cotton) Winegar and John Jones, as well as many special nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Daniel's life will be held Friday, January 12 at the Church Hill VFW from 3 PM to 6 PM in which people are welcome to visit and share a few chuckles because that is what he loved. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741, www.michaeljfox.org It was Daniel's wish to be cremated. Trinity Memorial Centers Funeral Home (423-723-8177) is honored to serve the family.