David Marshall McDaniel

David Marshall McDaniel, 82, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2026, at his home in Montgomery, Alabama, after an extended illness. Born on August 1, 1943, in Atlanta, Georgia, Dave, as known by those closest to him, was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, brother and son. He loved his family immensely and reminded them of that even in his final days.

Family was such a focal point for David, and he was exceptionally proud of the family he and wife, Ortrun Gruener McDaniel, were blessed with. His three children were his greatest joy, and he loved watching them grow, marry and build their own lives and families.

David was a 1972 graduate of the University of Georgia, and his love for his bulldogs was evident in both his favorite colors, red and black, and his frequent greeting of “Go Dawgs”.

During his time at the University of Georgia, he was a member of ROTC, eventually earning the rank of Captain in the U.S. Army. He was a proud veteran who valued service to his country, and he often reminisced with his family about his time serving in Vietnam.

After returning from the war, David started his 33-year career with JCPenney in Athens, Georgia, and then eventually spending the longest stint of his career in the district office in Birmingham, Alabama. His first store manager position was in Greenwood, Mississippi, with moves to Paducah, Kentucky, and Erie, Pennsylvania, before retiring to Birmingham, Alabama, in 2002.

When David was not working or spending time with family, he was an avid golfer and usually on the golf course. He enjoyed playing courses across the country and world, incorporating a round into his travels whenever possible.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Myrtice Evelyn Marshall McDaniel, and his father, William David McDaniel. He is survived by his beloved wife, Ortrun; his children, William David McDaniel II (Trisha), Scott Andrew McDaniel (Ashley), and Kathryn McDaniel Lott (Matt); his grandchildren, Samuel Calvin McDaniel, Charlee Grace McDaniel, Andrew Harrison McDaniel (Caroline Kinney), Caroline Abney McDaniel, Jacob Elkan Lott, Taylor Makena Lott; his sister, Barbara McDaniel Wypasek (Pat); nephews Samuel Patrick Wypasek and Joshua Michael Wypasek.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026, at 10:15 a.m. at Alabama National Cemetery, 3133 Hwy 119, Montevallo, Alabama, 35115.