of Marion, AR
September 15, 1946 - October 19, 2014
Thomas Blake McDaniel -- beloved husband, adored father, vehemently passionate Ole Miss football fan -- passed away on October 19, 2014.
Born and raised in Kosciusko, MS, Tommy was a proud son of the Magnolia State and would quickly put people in their place when they spoke poorly of his cherished home. Though he and his family have lived in Arkansas since 1997, he installed a Colonel Reb statue in his front yard so Razorback fans would know exactly where he stood on the subject.
Tommy was tuning his guitar at a gig in Fort Worth, TX, in 1984 when he turned around and caught a glimpse of the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. When she wandered into the same honky tonk he was playing at weeks later, he skipped the hellos and decided he might as well just walk over and kiss her instead. A bold move, perhaps, but she followed him around like a puppy dog for 30 years after that.
Tommy could fix anything with duct tape and a wire coat hanger and never needed instructions to assemble complicated toys on Christmas Eve, even if it took hours longer than it was supposed to.
He loved John Wayne movies, Waylon Jennings and stumping his daughters with insanely difficult Civil War trivia questions. His favorite cocktail was tequila in a glass. Water is for sissies.
Few things made him happier than fall Saturdays in the Grove at Ole Miss. A diehard Rebel fan, he was faithful to the team in good times and bad (and since they were mostly bad, he probably chose to pass away while they were 7-0 just to leave on a high note).
He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Paula McDaniel; his 2 daughters, Alex McDaniel of Birmingham, AL and Mary McDaniel of Marion, AR; a grandson, Jackson Thomas Talty; a sister, Brenda McDaniel of Kosciusko, MS; and 2 brothers, Terry McDaniel and Sammy McDaniel both of Kosciusko, MS.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Harvey Terry and Clytee McDaniel and a brother, Ronny McDaniel.
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10 Condolence(s)
Nell B.Branch
Friday, October 31, 2014
Paula,
I am a classmate of Tommy's and met you several years ago at a school reunion. I was so sorry to hear of Tommy's death. Mrs. Billie Nance had shared with me that he was sick. I am especially sad because we graduated from McAdams High School 50 years ago & I was planning a reunion for the class and so looking forward to seeing Tommy again and for other classmates who had not seen him in many years.to visit and renew friendships.
Nell Branch
Brenda McDaniel
Saturday, October 25, 2014
Paula, Alex and Mary, I'm so sorry about my brother's passing especially since I did not ever get the opportunity to apologize for misunderstanding between us. I loved him dearly. I appreciate your kindness at the funeral yesterday. It gave me a chance to let him know I loved him. You girls take care and you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love, Brenda
Skip
Friday, October 24, 2014
My thought and prayers are with the McDaniel Family.if there is ever anything that I can do to help . please call.Tommy had my number.on this desk. I am going to miss my Friend. may God bless you all .
Skip with B&D Wrecker.
Ashley Susanne McDaniel Greer
Friday, October 24, 2014
I am Tommy's eldest daughter.
My name is Ashley Susanne Greer, born and raised in Attala County. My birth name is Ashley Susanne McDaniel, the first born daughter of Tommy McDaniel and Agnes Horne McDaniel born September 25th in the year of 1973. Tommy had four grandchildren; Michael Alan, 21, Hunter Louis, 19, Isabella Eva-Marie, 13, and Abbey Jo-Frances, 4. Even though I was not granted my God given right to be a part of his life, the fact remains that I am his child and the least that you anyone could do is acknowledge that fact in his death since you couldn't in this life. God knows that I have tried and that I have prayed for your salvation with every passing day. I have forgiven you for not loving me in this life. I love you, my only regret is not knowing what could have been. God Bless your soul, Daddy. You will live on forever through me and in my heart. My precious children and I are your legacy. Rest in peace, Daddy.
Bobby Bishop
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Paula,
it was with sadness and regret that I learned Tommy had passed....didn't even know he had been sick. Wish he and I could have at least
talked one more time, maybe cleared up some
misunderstandings, but it wasn't to be. Just know I thought well of him. I pray you and the girls will make it through this difficult time.
Bob & Cyndy Henderson
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Bob & I have you in our thoughts and prayers. We cherish the times we were blessed to shared with you and Tommy. We will always only be a phonecall away for you.
We love you and the girls very much!
Sherry Fincher
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Paula,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Tonya Smithee
Monday, October 20, 2014
One of the best men I have ever been blessed enough to meet. You taught me a few things about life that I have carried all this time. You will be missed greatly! RIP our dear friend. Love and prayers for the family!!!
Tammy buckwalter
Monday, October 20, 2014
RIP Tommy. You will be missed by many. Thank you for all you have done for me. I would not be where I am without all you have done.
Penny White
Monday, October 20, 2014
TMac, I will miss your humor, all of your crazy stories that always put a smile on my face even if I was down, your honesty and your true friendship. Thanks for being my friend......I can hear you singing with the angels.....RIP Tommy