Daniels, 81, immaculate mentor dies

Gideon said there was a fear North Richmond would "explode" into riots like in Watts, Detroit and Washington, D.C. had in the 60s.

"It was a revolutionary time in the world at-large, in the United States and in North Richmond," she said. "He was one of the pivotal people in terms of what was going on in Richmond at the time."

He earned a lifetime achievement award from the city of Richmond for his work.

But through the turmoil of the Vietnam War and the resistance to the Civil Rights Movement, Daniels enjoyed helping people and got the most from his life.

He collected cars, including two or three Mercedes-Benz models, Gideon said, and he loved to dance.

"He enjoyed the best things in life," she said. "When he laughed, you could see a real laugh, a real smile.

"When I think of Bobby, I think ‘joie de vivre' (joy of life)," Gideon said. "He just lived life to the fullest no matter what he was doing."