of Jacksonville, AR
December 26, 1945 - June 15, 2014
Mike McDaniel Sr., age 68 of Jacksonville, Arkansas passed from this life on Sunday, June 15, 2014 at St. Vincent Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was born in Salem, Oregon on December 26, 1945 to Willie H. McDaniel and Clydia Mae (Dickey) McDaniel.
Mike was a veteran of the Arkansas National Guard where he served for four years. He was an ordained minister in the Assemblies of God. He was a drywall contractor in the construction industry for over 45 years. He relished the many opportunities he had to teach his sons the drywall trade and enjoyed working side by side with them. He never missed an opportunity to watch and support his daughters in their theatre, sports, and academic endeavors. Mike was a connoisseur of John Wayne movies and he could often be heard saying, ''A person can learn a lot about life by watching the Andy Griffith Show.'' He was an avid fisherman, a devoted Razorback fan, and he spent many years as a basketball referee. Mike collected vintage Coca Cola items, knives and many things ''As Seen on TV.'' Mike's internal navigation system predated Google Maps. He loved cooking a big Sunday breakfast and people far and wide knew of his world famous chili. His kids would say he could live on a ring of red and a loaf of bread.
Mike's fun-loving nature was often expressed through many humorous quotes such as, "What we have here is a failure to communicate", "What's your Vector, Victor?", "You sorry outfit", "Bueno", "H-H-Ha...ll...o? H-H-Ha...ll...o?", and "It's all academic." When he really wanted to make a point, he emphasized his words with a "tomahawk" chop of his arm. Ever fond of nicknames, those close to Mike were known as Fearless, Jr., Brutus, Horse, Sarge, CD, Big Dog, Hop, Hondo, Judge, Crazy Henry, Big Mac, Little Mac, Button, Scooter, Peanut, and Podunk. Of course, Mike had a nickname he surely lived up to: Fearless. He loved all animals, especially his "buddies": Goldie, Angus, Rocco-Carlo-Mangotti, Lolo, Toto-Moto, Chuy, Brady, Pudge, and the one cat he thought was okay, B-Dawg. Most of all, Mike was a kindhearted, generous, loyal, hard working, patriotic soul, who lived a full life, completely devoted to his children and grandchildren.
Mike is preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Kenneth McDaniel, Jack McDaniel, Naomi McDaniel and Johnnie McDaniel.
Survivors include sons, Michael McDaniel Jr. and wife Terry Kay of Marcus, IA, William Shane McDaniel of Batesville; daughters, Holly Barron and husband Tom of Little Rock, Kasey Isaacs and husband Mike of Jacksonville; grandchildren, Reagan Kay McDaniel, Benjamin Michael McDaniel, Riley Lea McDaniel, Gabriel Sean McDaniel, Gavin Douglas Branson and Shannon Renee Isaacs; great granddaughter, Mallorie Renee Isaacs; sisters, Zelna "Sissy" Thurston of Prinville, OR, Louise Ojua and husband Wayne of Salem, OR and Emaline McDaniel; sister-in-law, Mary McDaniel of Buena Vista, OR; and brothers, W.R. McDaniel and wife Peggy of Corvallis, OR; Wendell McDaniel and wife Bobi of Fredericksburg, VA; and many cousins, nephews, and nieces.
Funeral services for Mike will be 10:00 AM Friday, June 20, 2014 at Roller-Coffman Funeral Home in Marshall, Arkansas with Bro. Roger Ely officiating. Visitation will be 6:00 till 8:00 PM Thursday, June 19, 2014 in the chapel. Burial will be in Pleasant Grove Cemetery near Marsena.
Pallbearers will be Mike McDaniel, Jr., Shane McDaniel, Tom Barron, Mike Isaacs, Ben McDaniel and Brock McDaniel. Honorary pallbearers will be Reagan McDaniel, Riley McDaniel, Gavin "Button" Branson, Gabriel "Scooter" McDaniel, Gary Holliman, Roger Ely, Tim Massey, Ronnie Roach, Doc McDaniel, Coach Don Webb, and Terry "Red" Hoskins.
May God give you all peace and comfort as you mourn the loss of Mike. "Fearless" as John (Hondo) referred to him also was a true friend and Christian brother. I know he will be missed by many!
So sorry to hear of the death of Mike McDaniel. Dan & I went to school with Mike and later lived close to him In Lafayette, La. We attended church together for several years in La. and these are some of the best memories we have. We often reflect back on those good days. To all of the children you have our love and prayers.
Mike was a classmate of mine at Marshall High School and I am so very sorry to hear this news. He was a fun and kind fellow and will be missed at our 50th reunion next Spring. May God comfort each of you at this time of loss.
Our deepest sympathy to the family.
Brent and Leslie Hess
Friends of Kasey and Mike Isaacs
Sorry for your loss. Heaven gained another angel. He will always be near you, just a heartbeat away.
Mike Jr., and family, We are so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. He was obviously a great man and a great friend to many. We know you will miss him very much. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
I was extremely saddened to learn of the death of Mike. We graduated from Marshall High School together. Although it has been many a year since I saw Mike I have the fondest memories of our high school years. I remember Mike as ball player, a funny guy and always considerate & kind. My sincere condolences to the family. May God Bless you with peace & understanding.
Kay
So sad to hear about the loss of Mike. He was a great classmate at Marshall High School and we will miss him. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family.
I'm ver sorry for your loss.
Our deepest condolences for the loss of a great dad and friend.
Sorry for your loss. He was a great man.
Holly, so very sorry for your loss. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Robin Patten
My thoughts and prayers to Kasey and her family during this trying time.