George C McDaniel

March 19th, 1932 - March 14th 2024

Georgie (George) Canie McDaniel passed away on March 14th at Tidewell Hospice, Lakewood Ranch. In the hours preceding his passing, he had a beautiful reunion with two dozen friends and family members. He was sharing stories and bidding a fond farewell to all.

He was born on March 19th, 1932, in Bristol, TN, to Ernest and Abbie (Collier) McDaniel, the seventh of nine children. He lived there until he was twelve when his family moved to Sarasota, where he became a lifelong resident.

George graduated from Sarasota High School in 1950. Before and after graduation, he worked at Darby Buick. After a four-year stint in the United States Air Force, he returned to Sarasota with his new wife, Donna, from Blairsville, PA., and found full-time employment with the Florida National Guard, where he continued to serve until 1979.

After retiring from the military, he spent the next ten years as an operations director for Davis Meter and Supply—Process Division. After Davis, he ran a handyman service into his early eighties.

George was fully committed to faith, family, and friends. His love for his family and Jesus is unquestioned. He was excited to rejoin those who went before him in heaven. He was passionate about working with his hands, rebuilding an engine, or building a house. Few jobs were too big or small. He always had a smile and a quick or not-so-quick story to tell. Yes, he had a gift to gab!

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Abbie; McDaniel; his beautiful Wife, Donna McDaniel (Clawson); his middle son, Martin McDaniel; seven brothers, William, Robert, John, Ernest, Harry, Lee, and Jimmy; sister, Elizabeth Golden.

Both family and friends will greatly miss George. He is survived by his son Michael (Barbara) of Philadelphia, TN, and son John (Marcy) of Western North Carolina. George is also survived by his five grandchildren, Jamie (Julie) McDaniel, Jeremiah (Tracy) McDaniel, Dillon (Devon)McDaniel, Micah McDaniel, Josh Staritt, five great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews, whom he loved as if they were his own.

He also leaves behind special friends Karen and Jay Laperriere and John and Abby Wolf.

There will be a memorial service and viewing at Colonial Oaks Baptist Church, 6901 Bee Ridge Rd, on Thursday, March 28th. The viewing and visitation will begin at 11:00 am, and the service will begin at 11:30 am. The reception will be from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm.

Burial service at the Sarasota National Cemetery from 1:50 pm - 2:20 pm.

Instead of flowers, you can donate to Colonial Oaks Baptist Church, Tidewell Hospice, or your favorite charitable organization.