Family, friends, fellow officers and even strangers were among the hundreds who came to a Stockbridge funeral home Thursday for the wake of Henry County officer Elgin L. Daniel.

“It’s such a tragic accident that took such a wonderful person’s life,” Daniel’s friend Pam Cooper told Channel 2 Action News.

Daniel died in the line of duty Monday when he was hit by an alleged hit-and-run driver in Stockbridge. Daniel and a roadside assistance worker were helping a stranded motorist when they were hit.

“He was a good man,” Daniel’s son Jairus said Thursday. “He meant a lot to a lot of people. He touched a lot of lives, we’ve found out during the past couple of days.”

Officer Daniel’s funeral is set for Friday at 1 p.m. at Greater Travelers Rest Baptist Church, 4650 Flat Shoals Parkway in Decatur. A graveside service will be held following the service at Fairview Memorial Gardens, 376 Fairview Road in Stockbridge.

He will be the third metro Atlanta officer buried in the last week.

Two years ago, Daniel retired from the DeKalb County police department after spending 26 years on the force. But he came out of retirement this year to work for Henry County.

Officers from both the Henry and DeKalb county police departments, as well as other metro officers, are expected to attend the funeral service.

“I appreciate all the funny stories and the wonderful memories everyone has shared about my father,” Daniel’s other son Gabriel said.

Ruben Marin-Garibay, of Stockbridge, is charged in the hit-and-run. He was arrested Tuesday evening.

A roadside assistance worker was also struck, but is expected to survive his injuries.