Daniel Jefferson Myers was born in Oakman, Alabama, to Jerome "Pop" Myers and Helen Swindle Myers on April 7, 1926, and passed away at his home on Thursday, May 5, 2016 surrounded by his family.
He was a 1944 graduate of Sidney Lanier High School and a veteran of WWII and the Korean Conflict. Mr Myers was co-owner of Myers Delivery Service with his brother, Cohen "Pop, Jr." Myers.
He became manager of Chambless Motorcycle Company in 1948, and along with his wife, Mary, he bought the business in 1966 and renamed it Myers Harley-Davidson. They retired in 1998, ending a 50 year business.
As a young man he raced motorcycles and officiated AMA sanctioned races. He won many sales awards with Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Company. He was a charter member of the Montgomery Motorcycle Club which was involved in many service projects in the '50s and '60s, including fundraisers for March of Dimes and the George Lindsey benefit Golf Tournaments for Special Olympics. He was also a charter member of the Montgomery Chapter of HOG Club.
Mr. Myers was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Montevallo for his work establishing the nation's first motorcycle safety courses and degree program, which led to the development of current ABATE courses. He also served on Governor George Wallace's Motor Vehicle Safety Council.
Mr. Myers was a member of Montgomery Sertoma Club and student/teacher for Dale Carnegie Courses. He was a strong supporter of Alabama Christian High School and College, which later became Faulkner University. He was a member of the Board of Directors of Amridge University, and past board member of Agape of Montgomery. He was a faithful member of University Church of Christ.
Mr. Myers was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Mary Shows Myers; his parents; his brother, Cohen "Pop, Jr.," (Olivia "Tut") Myers; and his sister, Hilda Myers (Buddy) Maness.
Survivors include his daughters, Danna (Bobby) Cofer, Cynthia (Ben) Reynolds, Martha (Mitch) Grubb, Leanne (Scott) Smith; his 12 grandchildren; and 26 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 6:30-8:30 PM, Sunday, May 8, 2016 at University Church of Christ, 5315 Atlanta Hwy. Mr. Myers will lie in state from 12:30-2:00 PM on Monday, May 9, 2016 followed by a celebration of life at 2:00 PM at the church.
Pallbearers will be grandsons and grandsons-in-law. Honorary pallbearers will be the Board of Regents of Amridge University.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to Amridge University or Faulkner University.
Leak Memory Chapel is directing.
Published in the Montgomery Advertiser on May 8, 2016.