Roger Lee McDaniel Sr.

Roger Lee McDaniel Sr., age 78, a resident of Crawfordville, Florida, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones at the Big Bend Hospice House in Tallahassee, FL. Roger was born on September 15, 1945, in Philippi, WV. Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Hayward Jasper and Gladys Geneva Dean McDaniel. They are buried at the Griffith-Cline/Guardian Funeral Home in Bradenton, Florida.

Roger is survived by his loving wife and caregiver, Linda Beard Fitzgerald McDaniel. His children are Erin (Spencer) Woodham of Dothan, AL, and Roger Lee (Amy Huddleston) McDaniel of Jacksonville, FL, with his former spouse, Eileen Lawrence McDaniel, Tallahassee, FL. Kathleen "Katie" Linda Fitzgerald of Chicago, IL, and Dr. Colleen Miriam Fitzgerald of Fargo, ND, Linda’s children with her former spouse (Brian Edmund Fitzgerald of Tallahassee, FL). Grandchildren: Lauren, Emily, Natalie Luke Woodham, and Ellis and Sage McDaniel. Paula Kuniansky (sister-in-law), Ray Kuniansky (brother-in-law), Marc Kuniansky (nephew) and a host of loving cousins, nieces and nephews.

Roger's life was marked by significant achievements. In June 1964, he proudly graduated from Palmetto High School in Bradenton, Florida (Manatee County). He then embarked on a new journey, joining the U. S. Army and being stationed at Stuttgart, Germany. His service was honorable, and in May 1970, he was discharged, returning to his hometown. His thirst for knowledge led him to earn an associate in sciences degree in mechanical drafting from the Tampa Technical Institute in 1968. Roger's dedication to his studies and his country was further exemplified by his membership in the Sigma Epsilon Theta Fraternity of the Society of Engineering Technicians.

Roger's professional journey was one of dedication and service. He began his career with several sprinkler companies before finding his place in the State of Florida. For 35 years, he served the state with unwavering commitment, working with various agencies. He was a deputy state fire marshal with the Department of Financial Services, formerly known as the Department of Insurance. He also served as the deputy director of environmental and health safety for Florida State University and as the director of the environmental health and safety risk management and worker's compensation/loss control programs for the Department of Corrections. His work took him all over the state of Florida, and his expertise was recognized by his membership in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), where he served on numerous committees.

His favorite moments were camping, long hikes, walking, woodworking, traveling, and being with friends and family.

Pastor Paul Kisner will conduct the funeral service at Crawfordville United Methodist Church, 176 Ochlockonee Street, Crawfordville, FL 32326, on June 27, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.

Burial will be a private interment at the Tallahassee National Cemetery.

Please do not request flowers. Instead, a love offering may be sent to the Alzheimer's Association, Big Bend Hospice, or the Crawfordville United Methodist Church.