Daniel G. Ely II

Daniel Gordon Ely II, 58, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away peacefully surrounded by love.

Daniel was a one-of-a-kind person who had a gift that few people possess — he could talk to anyone. Whether you were a lifelong friend or someone he had just met, Dan had a way of making you feel like you belonged. His personality was larger than life, and his contagious belly laugh could fill an entire room. He had a way of making people laugh until they couldn’t catch their breath and creating memories that would last forever.

Dan was born to Daniel Gordon Ely, known to many as “Big Danny,” and Yunette Ely. He was preceded in death by his father, Big Danny, and leaves behind his mother, Yunette, along with the love and memories they shared throughout his life.

Dan lived life with passion and excitement. He loved motorcycles, bowling, fishing, shooting guns, and anything that allowed him to have a good time and make a story worth telling. He had a wild spirit, a big heart, and a way of bringing energy wherever he went.

Above all, Daniel loved his family. He leaves behind his children, Shaylyn Ely (Elizabeth Wendel), Chantel (Ely) Whitaker (Tyler Whitaker), and Daniele (Ely) Nafey (Masoud Nafey), and his grandchildren: August Wendel, Winston Whitaker, Mila Whitaker, Lewis Whitaker, Abraham Nafey, Malik Nafey, and Jibril Nafey.

Dan will be remembered for his unforgettable laugh, his endless stories, his ability to make friends anywhere, and the joy he brought into the lives of those around him. Though he will be deeply missed, the memories, laughter, and love he gave will continue to live on through everyone who knew him.

Ride on, Daniel. You were truly one of a kind.

Visitation Monday, June 29, 2026 from 11am until the time of Funeral Service at 3pm at Newcomer, NE Chapel, 3047 E. Dublin-Granville Rd., Columbus, OH 43231. There will be a private burial at Green Lawn Cemetery in Columbus.