Kalif Leslie Daly

With hearts completely shattered, we announce the sudden passing of Kalif Leslie Daly, 31, of Evans, Georgia. Kalif was born on October 3, 1994, in Denver, Colorado, and raised in Evans, where he graduated from Greenbrier High School in 2013. He left this world far too soon on November 4, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, adventure, kindness, and a gentle spirit that touched every life he encountered.

Kalif was a man with a deep and steady foundation in God. His faith guided him quietly but powerfully throughout his life. One of his favorite scriptures was “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.” (John 5:24) This verse brought him peace and now brings comfort to his family.

Another verse that reflected his strength and devotion was “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psalm 73:26)

From April 2017 to April 2021, Kalif proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. He was stationed overseas at RAF Lakenheath and worked in Water and Fuel Systems Maintenance. It was there in England where his life was beautifully changed forever. In April of 2019, Kalif met the love of his life, Mikayla. Their connection was instant, genuine, and deep. They began dating on May 10, 2019, and were married on April 23, 2021.

Kalif and Mikayla were soulmates in the truest and deepest sense. They were two people brought together by God’s perfect timing and whose spirits aligned effortlessly from the moment they met. Their bond was extraordinary, unmistakable, and beautifully rare. They shared a love that was steady, true, and full of devotion. Theirs was a love built on understanding, trust, friendship, and a connection that felt like home to both of them. Together, they were best friends and perfect companions, lifting each other up, encouraging one another’s dreams, and creating a life filled with joy, purpose, and tenderness. To everyone who knew them, it was clear they weren’t just a couple — they were truly meant for one another.

During their years in England, they discovered their shared love of Indian cuisine through their favorite restaurant, Rose & Mango in Newmarket. It quickly became their place — the restaurant they visited often, talked about constantly, and remembered with so much fondness even years later. Those meals and conversations became cherished pieces of their early life together.

After separating from the Air Force, Kalif continued his dedication to growth and service. He earned his Associate of Arts in General Studies from the University of Maryland Global Campus and had completed 96 credits toward his Bachelor of Science in Finance. He had every intention of finishing his degree after completing fire recruit training. Kalif was a proud member of the Columbia County Fire Rescue recruit class. He was pursuing his dream of becoming a firefighter so he could serve his community and help others.

Kalif had a passionate, adventurous, and endlessly curious spirit. As an ISTP, he was hands-on, calm, thoughtful, and incredibly resourceful. He was selfless, loyal, and the kind of friend people knew they could call at any time. He showed up for people. He listened. He gave. He cared deeply. His smile, laughter and humor made every room brighter.

He loved dirt bikes, planes, diesel trucks, boats, and anything with an engine. Watching YouTube was one of his favorite ways to unwind. He loved CboysTV, boating channels, fishing videos, and truck builds. He loved movies, especially Harry Potter, Dazed and Confused, Risky Business, and ATL. Kalif treasured quiet evenings relaxing and spending time with Mikayla.

Kalif had an incredible love for music. He listened to all genres and loved discovering new songs, artists, and sounds. Music filled his days and brought him so much happiness. It was also one of the first things he and Mikayla bonded over, discovering they shared the same taste and the same excitement for the artists and songs they loved.

Kalif loved to travel and his curiosity took him across the globe. His travels included Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, England, Scotland, Wales, Croatia, France, Spain, Monaco, Italy, Germany, the Bahamas, Ireland, and Portugal. He also explored the islands of Vis, Ibiza, Madeira, Tenerife, and Gran Canaria. Together, he and Mikayla visited seven countries and four island territories. These are memories she will hold close forever.

In August 2021, Kalif and Mikayla adopted their beloved dog, Zula who was only four months old. Zula is an American Pit Bull, Staffordshire Terrier, and Beagle mix who quickly became their world. Kalif adored her, and together the three of them explored countless parks and trails. Their walks became one of the most joyful and grounding parts of his life.

Kalif loved the water, boating, cruising, swimming, and discovering new coastlines. He loved to be outdoors in the quiet beauty of nature. He appreciated both the simple joys of life and its finer things.

Kalif often spoke with such warmth about his childhood. He loved his childhood home, his quiet neighborhood, and the community that raised him. He grew up surrounded by love, encouragement, and steady guidance from his parents, Grace and Leslie. Their support and unwavering dedication helped shape Kalif into the kind, selfless, and compassionate man he became. He adored his parents and often expressed how grateful he was for the life they gave him. He was raised in a home filled with stability, faith, and love.

It was also in that same neighborhood that at just seven years old, Kalif met his best friend, Randall Sullivan. They had a friendship that grew into a true lifelong brotherhood. In 2024, Kalif and Mikayla moved to Evans after she separated from the Air Force. He was genuinely so happy to return home and bring the love of his life with him.

Kalif had so many hopes for his future. One of his greatest dreams was becoming a father. He and Mikayla had begun collecting children’s books and planned to grow their family next year. This was a dream held with so much excitement, intention, and love.

Kalif is survived by his devoted wife, Mikayla Daly; his loving parents, Grace and Leslie Daly; his brother, Lateef Daly; his sister-in-law, Catherine Goff; his niece, Aurora; his nephew, Jordan; and countless friends and relatives who adored him. Kalif was deeply grateful for the love and support of his parents, who raised him with unwavering dedication and instilled in him his strength, compassion, and faith. Every life he touched is better because he was here.

Though our hearts ache with grief beyond words, we hold tightly to God’s promise, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you… Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)

Kalif’s absence is immeasurable but so is the love, laughter, joy, and light he leaves behind. His legacy will live on in every sunrise, every quiet moment, and with every person who carries him in their heart.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: National Fallen Firefighters Foundation https://www.firehero.org/donate/

Platt's Funeral & Cremation Services, 337 North Belair Road, Evans, Georgia 30809 (706) 860-6166. Please sign the guestbook at www.plattsfuneralhome.com.