Jimmy Ray McDaniel

Jimmy Ray (Jim) McDaniel was born in Crockett, Texas on February 13, 1951 to Corina McDaniel Taylor and the late John W. Taylor. He passed away peacefully on April 2, 2014 surrounded by his family and dear friends. He received his public school education at W.R. Banks and Grapeland High Schools. Jim enrolled in Angelina College and married his college sweetheart, Lois Marie Mumphrey on June 23, 1972, and they shared 42 wonderful years.

Jim served in the United States Army in Vietnam as a Military Police. In 1973, he joined the Social Security Administration (SSA) and had a distinguished and decorated 37-year career with SSA. He held managerial positions in SSA offices around the nation, including Lufkin, Texas, Kansas City, Missouri, Baltimore, Maryland, Monroe, Louisiana, Houston, Texas, Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Blytheville, Arkansas, Amarillo, Texas and Austin, Texas.

He provided words of encouragement and was an inspiration to all he met. He shared his experience and expertise, and mentored SSA managers, employees and trainees. Family, friends, church members, and others benefited from his experience, expertise, and mentoring.

Jim was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church and sang in the Male Choir and was a lead soloist with his beautiful bass voice. He was a member of the New Member Orientation Committee and Austin Brotherhood, and served as a Sunday School Teacher and Church Announcer.

He leaves to celebrate his life: a devoted wife Lois McDaniel; mother Corina McDaniel Taylor; five sons Michael Ray Graves (Denise), Chris Whitt (Erika), Kevin Williams (Avila), Roderick McDaniel (Kim), and Terrance McDaniel; sister Remona Stanford (Gordon); ten grandchildren, Adriana, Aaron, Jarrett, Kiarah, Honor, Ashton, Ashley, Zana, Whitney, and Lashataia; five great grandchildren Serenitee, Kaedyn, Casey, Hendralin, and Henavaius.

One of Jim’s favorite sayings was “I aspire to inspire until I expire.” He never lost his enthusiasm and desire to make things better for others. Jim’s contributions to the lives of others will keep his memory alive.

The family would like to thank his many friends for the support and encouragement provided to Jim during his illness.