H. Kent “Kenny” Daniel, 78, of Powder Springs, Georgia, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, February 28, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Kent was born November 20, 1947, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Dr. Hugh Sidney Daniel, Jr. and Ruby Donald Daniel. The family later moved to Waynesville, North Carolina, where they made their home.

Kent graduated from Waynesville Township High School in 1966 and went on to attend Appalachian State University, graduating in 1970. After college, Kent briefly worked as a gunfighter at Ghost Town in Maggie Valley, North Carolina, before beginning his distinguished career in federal service.

In 1971, he joined the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), where he served until 1975. He was then hired as a Special Agent with the United States Secret Service and assigned to the Charlotte Field Office. His first Presidential assignment was with President Gerald Ford. Kent later transferred to the New York City Field Office, before being assigned to President Jimmy Carter’s detail in 1980 in Plains, Georgia, where he served for six years.

In 1986, Kent transferred to the Atlanta Field Office, where he completed his Secret Service career, retiring in 1997. With over 22 years in the Secret Service, Kent traveled the world, visiting more than 100 countries, while protecting Presidents, Vice Presidents, their families, foreign heads of state, and dignitaries.

Kent’s dedication to public service continued after his retirement from the Secret Service. He worked with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) until 2003, and later joined the Department of Homeland Security as a Special Agent with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), an agency formed in response to the September 11, 2001 attacks. He helped protect the nation’s transportation systems until his final retirement in 2010. In total, Kent devoted 39 years of honorable and distinguished service to his country.

Outside of his professional life, Kent was a race car enthusiast who loved golf, travel, reading, and exercising. He was known for telling stories of his adventures around the world—often accompanied by a photo or two. He enjoyed following Appalachian State football and treasured time spent with family and friends. His greatest joy came from time spent with his grandchildren.

Kent attended North Metro Church. His legacy of service and dedication extended beyond his country to his faith, his family, and the many friends whose lives he touched.

Kent is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Lyn Tilley Daniel; his son, Riley Palmer (Kimberly) of Atlanta; three grandchildren, Kathleen, Dustin, and Madeline; two sisters, Pam Daniel of Andrews, North Carolina, and Wendy Daniel Kiser (Tyree) of Waynesville, North Carolina; as well as several nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Agape Hospice for the compassionate care and support they provided to Mr. Daniel.

Visitation with the family and a memorial service from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM will be held at North Metro Church, 2305 Ernest W Barrett Pkwy NW, Marietta, Georgia on Friday March 20, 2026. Visitation will be held from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM in the church theater, with the service beginning at 4:00 PM.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Wells Event and Reception Center, 33 Wells Events Way, Waynesville, North Carolina, on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, tax deductible donations may be made to Haywood County School Foundation: Attention: The Kent Daniel “007” Memorial Scholarship, 1233 North Main Street, Waynesville, NC 28786. Donations may be mailed or sent to this 

link: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=98GGXNX3KNHZ2

Kent lived a life defined by courage, service, and devotion. Whether protecting world leaders, serving his country, or simply sharing stories with family and friends, he brought strength, loyalty, and humor to every chapter of his life. His legacy will live on in the lives he protected, the family he cherished, and the many friends who were proud to call him one of their own.

The care of Mr. Daniel has been entrusted to Wells Event and Reception Center of Waynesville.