Donald Lewis McDaniel

Donald Lewis McDaniel, of Kannapolis, passed away at his home in the company of loved ones on May 5, 2022.  Donald (Don, or PapaDon) was born on September 9, 1931, at his family’s home on Rose Avenue, to William Lester McDaniel and Virginia Mabrey McDaniel.  Don was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Floranne Clodfelter McDaniel; and his son, Lt. Col. Mark L. McDaniel, Ret.

Don attended Woodrow Wilson Elementary School, and was a 1950 graduate of J. W. Cannon High School.  He enlisted in the U. S. Air Force, where he served from 1950 to 1953.  He completed basic training at Lackland A.F.B; attended Operating Room Technician School at Brooks Army Air Field; served at Keesler A.F.B.; and was also stationed at Burtonwood A.F.B. in England, where he went to London during the coronation of the Queen, and saw some of the festivities.

In 1953, Don married Floranne, the love of his life, whom he had known all his life, as their families were all members of North Kannapolis United Methodist Church.  Don and Floranne were married there on December 6 of that year, and attended there before and after being members of Milford Hills United Methodist Church in Salisbury.  Don was active in the church as an usher, in the United Methodist Men, and with the cooking of large vats of Brunswick stew.

After his discharge from the Air Force, Don worked three years at Wadsworth V.A. in Santa Monica, CA.  He was a member of the Woodmen of the World Camp 302 drill team, which won the National Championship in 1955.  Don and family moved back to North Carolina in 1957, where he worked eight years at the Fayetteville, V.A.; and then retired from the Salisbury (Hefner) V.A. after thirty years there.

Don is survived by his son, Maj. Mallory McDaniel, Ret. (Debbie); grandson Marcus McDaniel (Jane) and great-grandson Bowie More; grandson Staff Sgt. Morgan McDaniel (Tech Sgt. Jess); grandson Dr. Matthew McDaniel (Dr. Lexie Riofrio) and great-grandsons Maddox, Micah, and Mason; grandson Madison McDaniel; and Mark’s widow, Pam.

The family is grateful to the helpful caregivers of Central Carolina Home Care, and Hospice & Palliative Care of Cabarrus County.

The family will receive visitors in the Gathering Room of North Kannapolis United Methodist Church on Thursday, May 12, 2022, at 2 pm; followed by the funeral service in the sanctuary at 3 pm; and then a graveside service immediately following that at Carolina Memorial Park in Concord, all presided over by Rev. Ron Hartman.  Memorials may be sent to North Kannapolis United Methodist Church, 1307 N. Main St., Kannapolis, N.C. 28081 or to Hospice and Palliative Care of Cabarrus County, 5005 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, NC 28081

Whitley’s Funeral Home is serving the family of Mr. McDaniel. Online condolences may be sent to www.whitleysfunerahome.com

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