John Daniel Proffitt, 71

Published 10:48 am Thursday, August 22, 2024

John Daniel Proffitt, 71, of Danville, passed away August 18, 2024 in Toledo, Ohio. Daniel was born August 29, 1952 in Lancaster, Kentucky to the late Thomas and Pauline Proffitt. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Betty Montgomery Proffitt.
Daniel had many passions in his life. He was a devoted husband, father, and “Papaw”. He was an avid fisherman who also loved fixing things – especially for others – and was proud of the cars he had built over the course of his lifetime. He always made family vacations a priority and enjoyed travels near and far from fishing adventures in Alaska to bus trips with his wife, and visits across the ocean to see his son-in-law’s family in Sweden. He loved meeting new people and sharing stories almost as much as he loved watching his grandkids play sports and perform in plays. His children and grandchildren were everything to him. He worked in the construction equipment industry, retiring from Haydon Bridge in 2018. Outside of work and family he was a devoted member of Calvary Baptist Church for the past 51 years and former deacon. He was a familiar face at Calvary often greeting others from the kitchen where he regularly served donuts and coffee to the congregation. He cherished making fishing kits each year for Operation Christmas Child. His life was one of constant service to others from his days as a volunteer firefighter and EMT to helping at Camp Nelson honor veterans through Wreaths Across America.
 Along with his wife, Betty, surviving are two daughters, Lori Burke (Jeremy) of Danville, Kentucky and Lesli Nordstrom (Fredrik) of Ridgefield, Connecticut; grandchildren, Riley Thomas Burke, Maggie Elizabeth Burke, Stella Jane Nordstrom, and Axel Daniel Nordstrom; siblings, Tommy Proffitt of Richmond, Eve Proffitt (Bill Kirkland) of Georgetown, Paul Proffitt (Melissa) of Lexington, Janie Rosanbalm (Randy) of Richmond and Timmy Proffitt (Linda) of Stanford; brother-in-laws, Carl Montgomery (Susie) of Stanford and Bernard Montgomery (Carolyn) of Danville; sister-in-laws, Jean Cummins of Danville, Sue Anderson (Dudley) of Danville, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral service was 11:00 AM on Friday, August 23, 2024 at Preston Pruitt Spurlin Funeral Home with Pastor Brent Rowe officiating. Burial will follow in Danville Memorial Gardens. Visitation was 5:00 PM-8:00 PM on Thursday, August 22, 2024at the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be Greg Montgomery, Nick Proffitt, Patrick Proffitt, Matt Proffitt, David Montgomery, and Woody Darrell Proffitt.
Memorial contributions are preferred to Operation Christmas Child c/o Calvary Baptist Church and Gideon’s International. www.preston-pruitt.com