of Helena, AR
March 6, 1937 - March 15, 2018
Dr. Marion A. McDaniel, Age 81, went to be with the Lord on March 15, 2018. Dr. McDaniel was born March 6, 1937 in Helena, Arkansas to Mr. and Mrs. Marion Dee McDaniel. In 1955, he graduated from Treadwell High School in Memphis, Tennessee, where he was president of his class and voted Most Likely to Succeed. After high school, he served 4 years in the United States Air Force. Upon his honorable discharge from the Air Force, he attended Memphis State University and was accepted into University of Tennessee Medical School. He graduated from medical school in 1970, returned to Helena, and joined the medical practice of Dr. Pat McCarty and Dr. H.N. Faulkner. In 1980, he formed his own practice. While serving as the Chief of Staff, he was instrumental in relocating the Helena Regional Medical Center to its current location. To all of his patients, he was affectionately known as ''Dr. Mac'' and he practiced medicine until his retirement in 2012. During his career, he served on the Helena Hospital Board of Trustees for 12 years and as Chief of Staff for 4 years. Concurrently, as the Phillips County Health Officer for 20 years, he worked with the Phillips County Health Department and was instrumental in setting up the first hospice program in Phillips County. Dr. Mac also served as the Physician in Charge at the Helena Women's & Family Planning Clinic at the Phillips County Health Department for many years. He was recognized as a Physician Associate by the University of Arkansas Medical School for 3 years where he mentored many medical students. Dr. Mac loved his profession and his patients. His favorite part of being a doctor was delivering babies. During his career, he delivered over 7,000 babies and, in 1991, delivered 550. He also served on the Board of Directors at Helena National Bank for 20 years.
Dr. McDaniel is survived by his wife of 55 years, Phyllis, two sons, Michael A. McDaniel (Mary) and Thomas P. McDaniel (Tonya), two sisters, Merry Bogle and Veniece Burton. He leaves behind six adoring grandchildren: Dr. Christopher Michael McDaniel, Mary Catherine McDaniel, William Marion McDaniel, Anna Morgan McDaniel, Phillip Harrison McDaniel and Monty Bradford Sinks.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Helena Regional Medical Center Auxiliary, 1801 Martin Luther King Dr., Helena, AR 72342 or First United Methodist Church, 502 Porter St., Helena, AR 72342.
A celebration of life for Dr. McDaniel will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, March 23, 2018 at the First United Methodist Church in Helena.
Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena, (870) 572-2571.
My sincere condolences to the McDaniel family. Dr. McDaniel delivered me 49 yrs ago. You will truly be missed Dr. Mac ðŸ™ðŸ½ðŸ•Šâ¤ï¸
Miss Phyllis, Mike, Mary, Tommy and family,
Dr. Mac was a treasure not only to your family but to our community. He will be missed. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
To McDaniel family and Merry and Veniece - We (the Jimmy and Louise King family) lived at 829 Rightor Street In Helena on the other side of the block from the McDaniel family. I am 75 (my sister, Barbara 76) and remember that Marion (we called him Boogie (sp.?) for some reason I do not now remember. He was older than I am, and seemed much older then. I reconnected with Veniece several years ago at a 1959 Central Reunion (hers 1959 - mine 1960). I remember so fondly all the years that all the kids on our block ran around outside barefoot in the summer playing and having so much fun. How lucky we were to have such treasured memories. I was so pleased that Dr. Marion had returned to Helena to live and serve in our hometown. Although I did not live there after 1960, my parents lived there until their deaths (Mom in 1970) in the same house most of those years. Thanks Boogie/Dr. Marion.
People have lost a very wonderful doctor. He took care of many persons and was genuine in his practice. Praying for the family and friends.
Thank you for your care Dr. Mac. Heaven has gained a great man and Physician.
Prayers to family he will be missed.
The man behind that great smile. Dr. Mac was a kind and caring man. He loved his patients. He did not see color or race. It made no different to him if you were rich or poor you were his patient and he gave you his very best. He was my mother's Doctor until her death (Lucille Maxey) They were the best of friends. The joy I had was going from patient to co-workers. To gain the trust from Dr. Mac to care for his patients and newborns when I became a nurse meant the world to me. So Dr. Mac. sleep on and take your well deserved Heavenly Rest. No more calls, no more rounds. God has called you for your crown. So take your rest, you passed the last and final test. You served us well. Much love to the family
I was one the many babies he delivered. He was also my family doctor for a long time. Very nice man and a great man. You will be missed.
This wonderful man brought me into this world, a week or so late because he was at deer camp, but Mom managed to hold me in until then! I remember swimming in his pool at my classmate's birthday party. They were neighbors, and he was kindhearted enough to let them use it. He was a wonderful asset to our town and will be truly missed by many. Regards from my family to yours.
Dr Mac was an amazing man and physician. He took care of me as a teenager and them as an adult he delivered my sons. RIP Dr Mac.
Dr Mac was loved by many. He was my favorite doctor. Prayers for his family.
I adored Dr. Mac! He was our family doctor for years and years. My Momma, Pauline Smith, loved Dr. Mac as well. When she was diagnosed with Breast Cancer, Dr. Mac would call and check on her whenever he go the chance. He was such a special person. He will be missed by many. My sincere condolences to his entire family.
Though my heart is filled with sadness for the loss of such a loving, happy, kind and caring doctor and family man. I can rejoice and feel blessed to have known him as a doctor who brought my daughter into this world and as a man who had great influence in my life from my childhood to a father for which I am so thankful. I know he is with the lord and he is surrounded by hundreds of souls he touched through the years. My thoughts and prayers are with you Mrs. Phyllis, Mike, Mary, Tommy and the rest of the family. Dr. Mac will always be with us all in our hearts and minds.
Dr. Mac was one of the best doctor. He delivered me and my sisters. He was also my doctor until he retired. One of most caring, gentle and sweet human beings I have met. Rest in the Lord’s loving arms, Dr. Mac!
A great person.
So sorry for you loss. We are thinking about you and keeping you in our prayers.
Dr. McDaniel was not only my doctor for many years, but I have always considered he and his family to be friends. He will be greatly missed.
I was so sorry to hear about Dr. Mac, who was my family doctor from 1971 until I moved away in 2005. He delivered my three children. He was such a good doctor--one who would actually talk to his patients over the phone when they called his office about a medical problem. He always had a smile and a kind word for his patients. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. May God bless his family at this time.
So sorry Phyllis. Dr. Mac delivered my first child and he was a joy to work with at the hospital. Sandy loved him dearly. Prayers and deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Dr Mac delivered my younger sister and I both, calling us miracle babies albeit 8 years apart. Im forever grateful he didnt give up on me or my mother. Thank you Dr Mac for believing in us! He will be missed by many as he touched all of our hearts.
So sorry to hear of Dr Mac's passing. When my mother in law developed Alzheimers, he was always so kind and patient with her. Our prayers are with his family as they go through the difficult days ahead. May God put his loving arms around you and comfort you.
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. I loved Dr Mc so much and always enjoyed seeing him out and about after moving back home!
Dr. Mac was a gentle man and a wonderful physician. He was our family doctor for over 30 years. He will be missed by so many in the Phillips County community. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Phyllis I’m so sorry for your loss. Praying for you and family. Everyone loved Dr Mac and you.
We were patients of Dr. Mac from about 1973 until 1989. He delivered our youngest son in 1979. What a great day that was! Dr. McDaniel was a wonderful man and we will always have fond memories of him.
May God grant peace and comfort to all of the family.
My heart is breaking right now. Dr Mac was the most loving, caring angel to my children and me. And Mac and Phyllis were friends back when I lived in Helena.
So much love to Phyllis and the family.
Dr. Mac delivered all 3 of my children and took care of all of us until we moved to Mississippi. He was a wonderful doctor and man. We will miss him.
To the Family,
I am saddened to hear of Dr. Mac's passing. He was my Physician and delivered my daughter. It was a privilege to have been one of his many patients when we lived in West Helena. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
So sad to hear of Helena’s loss of this great man. He always took a personal interest in our family as I am sure he did with all his patients. He will be missed. May Our Living Father bring you peace and comfort.
Mrs. Phyllis and McDaniel Family:
I am so sorry to see this. What a dear, precious man and doctor. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
I am so saddened to hear about Dr. McDaniel. He delivered both of my sons and he was my Doctor and my Mother's doctor. He was a very caring doctor. He was always happy, even when he got called to come to the hospital in the early hours of the morning to deliver a baby. My thoughts and prayers are with his family because I know he will be truly missed.
Dr. Mac delivered me on his birthday and 21 years later delivered my first child. He was my absolute favorite doc! He will be greatly missed. Prayers for his sweet wife and family.
I felt a little stab when I read this. Dr. Mac was a link to my childhood, so in that respect it's so hard to read this. However, I know heaven got a little brighter today. He was not only a great physician but just a great person. I don't ever remember seeing him without a smile and always with such a great disposition. What better memory could you want for your life.
My thoughts and prayers to all
Dr. Mac delivered my First born Son. He was a Great Doctor, Great Man. He will be dearly missed. Our hearts and prayers are with you.
I moved into the Nurse's home which was at the foot of the old Helena Hospital after the tragic loss of a husband and infant son, and Dr. Mac, also new to the community was the first to welcome me, and encouraged me to keep on, keeping on! His love and compassion for people endeared him to everyone who had any contact with him. He was also my Mom's doctor when she moved to this area from Houston. She was an incredible gardener, and because she adored Dr. Mac, anytime she came to visit me with produce from the garden, she always had a sack of tomatoes to leave on his doorstep. During the years that I taught nursing, Dr. Mac showed the same respect and compassion for numbers of nursing students as he invited them to make "rounds" with him where he taught them about various medical conditions and procedures. Dr. Mac always demonstrated the same respect and appreciation for novice nurses as he would for valued professional colleagues. Dr. Mac was an incredible family man, Christian, and highly skilled physician who poured his life into this community. It was my privilege to have known him.
I would like to express my condolences and prayers to the McDaniel family.
Dr. Mac was one of the finest men I have ever known.
Tommy, so sorry for your loss, brother.
Todd Phipps
Phyllis and family,
I don't know where to begin. Greatly saddened upon hearing of Dr. Mac's passing. Remembering all the fun times our families had living across the street from each other. Knew the prognosis for Dr. Mac was not good, but still praying for a miracle. He was a great physician with a genuine and patient spirit for those he served. Dr. Mac has gained his wings and can now rest in peace in the the eternal Kingdom of God.
Veniece & the McDaniel family,
I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Mac’s passing. He was a fantastic doctor, & he took great care of my granddaughters while they lived in West Helena.
Words can not express how this has hurt my heart...he was my Dr from a child, n no matter where i seen him he would recognize my curls and tell the story of taking care of me and my grandmother. He delivered my baby in 1989...he was more than a Dr to me an many he was more like family. My heart is crying.. I'm out of town n heart broken i cant be there..but my heart and prayers are with his beautiful wife n family. I love you Dr Mac RIP! You will always be in my n our hearts! Your with grandma n moma sing and dance hug them for me!
Dr.Mac delivered my son and took care of us for years. I truly loved and trusted him. He was such a special,compassionate man. He will truly be missed. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Phyllis,
To you, your Boys and Grandchildren - we offer our most sincere condolences. All our thoughts and prayers are with you during these hard times. Thank you for staying in close touch with us these past few months, during our hard times.
Please let us know if we can help in any way.
Much Love,
John and Sherry
To the McDaniel family,
So very sorry for your loss. Dr. Mac was my family's doctor from the time I was about 10 or 11 years old. He was truly one of a kind and will be missed dearly. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
RIP Dr. Mac.....true gentleman and a great doctor....thank you for being a part of my growing up in Helena....sending my thoughts to the McDaniel Family.....love always
Chuck Herlein
I was one of the 7000 babies that Dr. Mac delivered. Dr. Mac took excellent care of me and my parents, grandparents, and great-grandfather for many years. I remember just one time I went to see him for what ended up being a simple case of gastric reflux but I was scared to death something was seriously wrong and I'll never forget what a relief it was just to tell him the problem and know for sure he would know what medicine I would need to clear it up. By the way he was right because I felt perfectly fine by the time I went to bed that night! Since I moved away I have seen other doctors but none of them will ever have the class that Dr. Mac had. God Bless you and your family sir.
My heart goes out to this family. Dr. Mac is the one and only person I considered as my doc always. So thankful for all the many years we shared. Praying for you all.
Our two children, Amy and Justin were two of the 7000. Justin was one of the 550 in 91. Greg and Dr Mac talked football and basketball the entire time I was in labor. He loved sports. I graduated high school with Tommy and there aren't enough words to say what a wonderful family he had. They hosted our class many times at their home and were always gracious and welcoming. I worked in administration at HRMC and know first hand how well respected Dr Mac was. He will be greatly missed! Much love and prayers to Tommy, Mrs. Phyllis, and the entire family.
Greg and Joy Bigham
I had the honor of working in his office. He was a beloved member of the medical community & certainly dedicated his life & work to his patients. He was a very fine man. My condolences to his family.
I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dr Mac. He was always very kind to me. My thoughts and Prayers are with his family.
We loved this sweet man!!! He always made us well when he walked in the door. Our Cotton was one of his 7000, and he loved Dr. Mac. He will be missed by everyone that was blessed to have him in their life. We will keep Phyllis, and family in our prayers. Much love, Henry and Billie Sue Rohrscheib
My Sincere Condolences to your Family. I loved Dr. Mac very much! He took such good care of me when I needed him. He was truly a blessing. He will be greatly missed.
My condolences to the family. Dr. Mac was my Dr for years and I loved him.
Dear McDaniel Family,
I am truly sorry for the loss of Dr. Mac. He has been a good friend for many years. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.
My heartfelt sympathies,
Jackie S. Sanders
Marion and the Mayer family were neighbors and always close friends. He was a remarkable gentleman and physician. He always brought a positive attitude to all around him. He was a dedicated family man, his two sons and their families and Phyllis were always his pride and such a special family. As a hospital board member how proud I was that he chose to practice in Helena the first of my generation to come home in medicine. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Jim ,Diane, Marla, Caren,& Adam Mayer
Miss Phyllis, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sorry to hear of the passing of Dr Mac. He will truly be missed by all who knew him. Enjoyed our talks at the Barber shop. Praying that God will give you and your family comfort and peace during this time.