William McDaniel

William W. McDaniel, middle name Willard, but, if you see him later in heaven, don’t ever let him know we told you. He hated his middle name. Born September 28th, 1933, in Rock Island, Illinois, to Grace Beulah Bailey and Thomas John McDaniel, Bill was the third of four boys. His parents and brothers, Thomas John, Edward Marshall (John), and Robert Ellsworth, preceded him in death. Known as Billy for most of his childhood, his mother had the tendency to keep his hair long since she kept hoping for a girl. At the age of 91, Bill succumbed to a short battle with heart disease on January 17, 2025, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

A graduate of Technical High School (class of 1952) and the University of Nebraska, Omaha, Bill became a career salesman bringing prosperity to companies like Curtiss Candy Company, National Life Insurance, Albert’s Fine Foods, and Hogg Restaurant Service. In 1990, after years of making many CEOs rich, he decided to try being a business owner himself and bought the Red Fox Restaurant in Perham, MN, with his beloved wife, Jeri. Bill and Jeri met in 1971 when Bill was selling memberships for the European Health Spa in Omaha, Nebraska. After a brief and flirty courtship, they married on December 10th, 1971. While being a father from the day they met, Bill officially and joyfully adopted Jeri’s children, Richard Dean and Julie Lynn, on May 14th, 1972. Both would tell you he was the best father they could have ever wished for.

After selling the restaurant in 1999, Bill continued to work in retirement doing odd jobs at Walmart and Fleet Farm to keep busy. He worked up until the age of 86 when they moved to Carolina Shores, NC.

As a lifelong dog owner, Bill loved raising and showing his cherished companions. He spent the '60s, '70s, and '80s traveling throughout the Midwest, winning championships with his Poodle (Sir Beau) and Brittany Spaniel (Bridgette’s Rovin Hi-Ra). There was not a dog he could not train, and he loved them all. And he would want them all named - Mac (Black Lab), Beau (Poodle), Roe (Brittney Spaniel), Andy (Shih Tzu), Mac (Brittney Spaniel), Ginger (Golden Lab) and Brie (Cavalier King Charles).

Bill was an avid outdoorsman for all his 91 years. He loved hunting and fishing. If it could be hunted, he hunted it. He loved his annual trips to Colorado or Wyoming to hunt elk and deer with his nephew Brent. The great plains of Nebraska brought him joy as he walked with friends or his son to bring home pheasant, quail, and grouse. In fact, his last hunt was with his nephew Rob in September 2024 to the Nebraska sandhills hunting for grouse. They walked up to 12 miles in one day on this trip. His big love was fishing, particularly in the lakes and rivers of Nebraska, South Dakota, and Minnesota. The dinner table in his home frequently featured the fruits of this labor of love. His kids grew up learning to chew softly, always nervous about biting down on a rogue pellet or fish bone.

Bill was not a man known for sitting still very long. If he wasn’t in his garage reloading empty hunting cartridge shells for his friends, you could find him on a long walk, exploring a garage sale, browsing a flea market, attending an auction, or just wandering every aisle in the grocery store.

Bill was also a stubborn man. He refused to wear a seat belt because “The government will not tell me what to do. I can decide how to keep myself safe.” Once he decided or took a position on an issue, his mind could not be changed. PSA: Wear your seatbelts! Bill was completely wrong, misguided, and set a bad example on this one. Seatbelts save lives.

He proudly taught his children and grandchildren to drive before their feet could reach the pedals. He was always ready to play a game of cribbage or chess. His morning ritual was black coffee and the paper. He really missed the paper after moving to North Carolina. And whenever his daughter visited, he always made her favorite biscuits and honey.

Up until death, Bill was an avid gym goer. Four or five days a week, you could find him walking the treadmill, swimming laps, and relaxing in the sauna or steam room.

In his final years, Bill’s favorite pastimes included Poker Tuesdays and Thirsty Thursdays with his newfound friends in The Farm neighborhood near Calabash. In fact, whenever his daughter invited him on a trip, his first question was, “Will I be back by Thursday?”

Bill was deeply loved as a wonderful husband, father, uncle, and friend. His laughter and unique wisdom will be missed. He is survived by his wife Jeri, children Rich (Theresa) and Julie (John), grandchildren Brooke and Connor, his dog Brie, and grand-dog Grace.

A celebration of Bill's life will be held on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at 12 noon at White Funeral and Cremation Service, 3660 Express Drive, Shallotte, NC, 28470.

The service will be followed by lunch, as well as Bill's favorite beers, a poker table, and a cribbage board. Bill didn’t want us to make a big deal, so, dress comfortably; suits and ties are not necessary, and he would not have wanted that. This celebration with family is open to all who loved and cared about Bill as we did.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please donate to the American Heart Association.

Those that may not be able to attend the service may be viewed via Facebook at White Funeral Service Shallotte Chapel Facebook page.

Online condolences may be made at www.shallottefunerals.com