'Tadpole' Daniels dies from injuries
By Dennis Hill
Published in News on February 26, 2009 1:46 PM
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Charles 'Tadpole' Daniels
Well-known Goldsboro businessman Charles "Tadpole" Daniels died Wednesday at Pitt Memorial Hospital from injuries sustained in a traffic accident Tuesday morning in Onslow County.
He was 64.
Friends and relatives remembered him as a generous, hard-working man who not only was an innovator in his work -- the scrap metal business -- but a man who believed in sharing the results of his business acumen with others, usually quietly and with no regard for recognition.
He was the owner of N.C. Salvage Co.
"I don't think Charles ever forgot his roots," said Dan Wise, the owner of Dan Wise Chevrolet, who was a close friend.
"He had been given an opportunity and he felt it was an obligation to pass it on. He was that type of person."
Daniels, who grew up in the New Hope area, turned a small scrap yard into one of the largest salvage firms in the state over the course of 40 years in business. Wise said Daniels was a hands-on businessman who enjoyed both his work and the people he came into contact with.
He said Daniels helped him get started in the auto business.
"Charles could be very sharing with people," he said. "There is no way I'd ever been able to have done it without his help. He had a generous heart."
Wayne County Sheriff Carey Winders said Daniels was "a down-to-earth person" who enjoyed life and enjoyed helping others.
"He was a good friend of mine and will be sorely missed," Winders said.
Winders said Daniels was instrumental in helping law enforcement officers combat the trade in stolen copper, something that has become a widespread problem in recent years.
Daniels was a member of the Elks Lodge, the Masonic Lodge and the Shrine Club. He was known among his friends for his affection for his coastal haven at Sneads Ferry and for his love of golf.
His funeral will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at United in Christ Church on Patetown Road.