William Noel McDaniel

William “Bill” Noel McDaniel, 77, loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully after a long struggle with Parkinson’s on Friday, October 2, 2015, at his home in Cary with his family by his side.

Bill was born in Jasper, Texas on October 24, 1937 to the late Laurie Ada West and Willis Wilkes McDaniel. He graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in chemical engineering before beginning a rewarding career with Proctor and Gamble that took him around the globe. Bill was proud to serve in the US Army Reserves. He has been a resident of the Heritage Pines community in Cary and a member of First United Methodist Church of Cary for the past 11 years.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, the love of his life, Carolyn Wallace McDaniel, and his children who loved him so very much: daughter, Sharon McDaniel Azula and her husband, Andy, of Richmond, VA; son, David Wallace McDaniel and his wife, Bonnie, of Cary, NC; grandchildren, Jackson and Sophie Azula; and Reece and Reagan McDaniel.

Bill enjoyed playing the clarinet and was a member of his high school and college marching bands. After graduating from Texas A&M, Bill lived in Dallas, TX where he met Carolyn. They married and had two children before his career carried them to Baltimore, MD; Cincinnati, OH; Augusta, GA; and Hunt Valley, MD. Bill’s passions were flying, hiking, photography and computers. He was a private pilot who enjoyed flying his family around the country. Throughout the years, he loved planning trips and traveling. Many hours were logged on the road as Bill and his family vacationed in almost all 50 states. After retiring from a career spanning 35 years, Bill and Carolyn moved to Arroyo Grande, CA where they settled into a wonderful life that allowed time for hiking and traveling. He thoroughly enjoyed being a docent, leading others on hikes throughout Montana de Oro and Morro Bay State Parks. Eventually, Bill and Carolyn moved to Cary, NC to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

The family wishes to express their appreciation and gratitude to Hospice of Wake County and to his compassionate caregivers.

A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held on October 24, 2015 from 2:00-3:30 pm at the Heritage Pines Clubhouse, 2000 Heritage Pines Dr, Cary, NC, 27519. A Memorial Service will immediately follow at Wake Memorial Park Mausoleum, 7002 Green Hope School Rd, Cary, NC, 27519.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the National Parkinson’s Foundation, 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, Florida 33131 or to Transitions LifeCare, 250 Hospice Cir, Raleigh, NC 27607.