DICKSON, Tenn. - Hundreds of people prayed and grappled with the tragic loss of 5-year-old Joe Clyde Daniels during an emotional prayer service held in his honor Sunday evening in Dickson County.
People packed into Friendship Baptist Church, bringing with them flower bouquets, stuffed animals and money to donate toward Joe Clyde’s burial.
The tearful service drew a larger-than-usual crowd to the small Dickson County church, many who never knew Joe Clyde but had participated in a massive search and rescue effort for him over the last several days.
The service was just one of several held this weekend to honor the blonde-haired, blue-eyed boy, whose father, Joseph Ray Daniels, confessed Saturday to killing his son and then hiding his body.
“We are heartbroken by the events that have unfolded this week, but we are strong,” said Rachel Storment, assistant vice principal at Centennial Elementary School. “And I do ask for your prayers for our staff and our students and Joe’s classmates this next week as we present that to them.”
The scene at Friendship Baptist Church was somber as the community tried to make sense of Joe Clyde’s death. A steady stream of people started pulling into the church parking lot at 5 p.m. and church volunteers scrambled to set up folding chairs for the growing crowd.
“Joe Daniels started something that we can continue in our community,” said Pastor John Dudley, referring to the community coming together to worship.
Once the service began, the group observed five minutes of silence, during which the only noise was quiet crying. Then several people led the group in prayer and Dudley delivered an emotional sermon.
“I didn’t know (Joe Clyde) but I’ve got four children of my own. It even hurts me to discipline those children,” Dudley said. “…How could somebody willingly, knowingly destroy his own son?”
Dudley and assistant pastor Doug Stewart thanked people for the outpouring of community support during the search for Joe Clyde. Friendship Baptist Church served as a staging area for volunteers throughout the week.
“Lord, I want to thank you for the faithfulness of those in the community who came and spent countless hours searching, Lord, and giving us their time and energy,” Stewart said. “Lord, I thank you for the law enforcement officers and I pray, even tonight, you would give them the wisdom they need to find the body of little Joe.”
Joseph Ray Daniels reported his son missing early Wednesday morning, prompting a widespread search effort in the miles surrounding the Daniels’ home. But the search ended in tragedy Saturday when Joseph Ray Daniels was charged with homicide after he confessed to killing his son.
A search for Joe Clyde’s remains continued throughout the weekend. Because the investigation is ongoing, many details surrounding the boy's death remain unknown.
Friendship Baptist Church plans to set up an online donation page to help fund Joe Clyde’s burial.
Reach Lizzy Alfs at lalfs@tennessean.com or 615-726-5948.