Daniel Aaron Pifer

Daniel Aaron Pifer, 46, of Nicholasville and Lexington, Ky died September 18, 2025 at Baptist Health Hospital in Lexington, Ky. He was born July 16, 1979 in Winchester, Virginia to Laura Minota Bassett Fernandez Harris and the late Robert Luther Pifer, Jr.

Daniel graduated from John Handley High School in Winchester, Va in 1997 and attended St. Andrews College in Laurinburg, N. C. and U. of Ky in Lexington, Ky.

Daniel was an active goalie in high school (Va) and college (NC) and in travel sports. He started coaching recreational soccer for Mercer County, Ky in 2008 with the 1st State Championship for the county followed by a 2nd Championship. While still volunteering his time with the recreational league and sponsoring children, he began coaching for CSC (Commonwealth Soccer Club) winning tournaments all over the United States. He coached for LFC (Lexington Football Club) and ODP (Olympic Development Program) where he was a goalkeeping coach, his passion. He also trained his son, Stefan, in goalkeeping. He trained hundreds of children and ran summer and winter camps. In 2012 he took a U8 3v3 team to Orlando, Florida for the ESPN world championships where the team placed 15th in the country. Summers were filled with 3v3 competitions. Winters he coached indoor teams and futsal. All the while playing in an adult league. He played outdoor in Lexington and Versailles and indoor in Richmond and Lexington, Kentucky with many more accolades. He did 3v3 live and 3v3 kick it and would referee when needed.

Daniel was formerly employed by Lexington Auto Spa in Kentucky.

He was of the Christian faith having been baptized as a teenager as a member of the College Park Church of Christ in Winchester, Va. He was currently attending Journey Church in Versailles, Ky.

Survivors include his Mother of Nicholasville, Ky; his son, Stefan Aaron Pifer (Kennedy Russell) of Georgetown, Ky; his sister, Deanna Maria Pifer, of Front Royal, Va; his nephew, Dylan Thomas Kelly of Front Royal, Va; his Uncle, Mark Rodney Ruebush (Casey) of Capon Bridge, WV; Cousin, Deliliah Dawn Ruebush of Lyons, Co; bonus sister, Ida Ellen Roberts of Lexington, Ky; a Great Aunt, Emily Cook Nicholas, of Asheville, NC; Girlfriend, Bertie May Michelle Karr of Richmond, Ky and her sons, Grayson Thompson and Sawyer Ratliff. Daniel also has many cousins in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina.

He was preceded by both sets of grandparents: Robert Luther Pifer and wife Helen Whitacre Pifer; Vera Minota Cook Fernandez Ruebush and Rodney William Ruebush; and an uncle, William Richard Fernandez all of Winchester, Va.

Daniel never knew a stranger from the time he was little. He cared very much about people and always wanted to help them in any way that he could. He even helped a homeless person the night before he died. He was loving, caring, giving, and had an infectious laugh and a zest for life. He had an outgoing personality that lit up a room. To say he will be missed by many is an understatement. Go fly high with the angels my sweet son.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Clark Legacy Funeral Home, E. Brannon Rd., Nicholasville, Ky on Wednesday, September 24, 2025 from 5-7 PM. All are welcomed.