Danny Mike Velez

Danny Mike Velez, 59, of Watering Place, Morganton, NC went home to be with the Lord on Monday, August 23, 2010 following a period of declining health. Born in California on December 19, 1950, he was the son of the late Salistanio Velez and Edith Matos Velez. Danny was of the Baptist Faith. A loving husband, father, and grandfather, he enjoyed watching wrestling and football.Danny is survived by his children, Linda Smith of Lenoir, NC, Russell Freeman of Morganton, Rick Freeman of Connelly Springs, NC, and Melissa Byles of Hickory, NC; a granddaughter, Vanessa Robles of Morganton; numerous other grandchildren; a number of sisters and brothers; and a number of great-grandchildren.In addition to his parents, Danny was preceded in death by his wife, Pauline Tollie Velez, and a daughter, Sharon Stroud.The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, August 26, 2010 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. At other times the family will be at the residence, 2490 Watering Place, Morganton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690.