Born in Richmond, Virginia, he was the third child of five children. He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Virginia B. Daniels. He leaves behind his three children: Bennie L. Daniels, Donna R. Gotel, and Juanita C. Beard (David J. Beard, son-in-law). The family has grown with five grandchildren: Shreese, Breann, Matthew, Lilllyana, and Daniel, as well as four grandchildren: Naomi, Almani, Sereniti, and Jhari. Major, known by many of his friends as Dan, resided in Washington D.C.; Orlens, France; Wurzburg, Germany; and Venice, Italy. He was a member of Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church in Lakewood, WA. A distinguished Vietnam veteran, and a member of Prince Hall Grand Chapter Masonic Organization for over 30 years.