of Memphis, TN
November 1, 1948 - January 19, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of W.C. McDaniel on January 19, 2025 at the age of 76. Born in West Helena, AR he was a devoted husband, beloved family member and dedicated mentor. W.C. lived a life full of love, laughter and service to others.
W.C. is survived by his cherished wife of 54 years, Cornelia McDaniel. He leaves behind his nieces, Deania Webb (Ricky), Debra Ann Neeley (Kyle), Anne Schwartz and Emily McDaniel; his nephew, Brian Gary (Carrie); Sisters-in-Law, Judy Gary, Patti Stair (Fred) and Debbie Beardsley (Rick); as well as 7 great nieces, 2 great nephews, 5 great-great nieces and 2 great-great nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Comer and Annie Wilma McDaniel; his brother, Ralph Edward McDaniel and his sister, Janice Marie Forbus.
W.C.'s professional legacy is a testament to his unwavering commitment to helping others. After earning his bachelor's degree in History from Memphis State and his master's in Special Education from the University of Memphis, he dedicated over four decades to guiding children, teens and clinical staff. He began as a counselor at Memphis Mental Health Institute in the Sequoia program, worked with at-risk special needs children at St. Joseph Hospital and later served as an administrator, mentor and workshop leader for Rivendell of America Residential Treatment for Children in Benton, Arkansas. Through his work, W.C. touched countless lives, offering guidance, care and mentorship to those in need.
In his personal life, W.C. found joy in photography, gardening and collecting rocks-a hobby he pursued with such enthusiasm that he often joked others would be jealous if they knew how much he loved it. As president of the Memphis Archaeological and Geological Society, he shared his passion for geology with the community. He also created Southern Rocks and Fossils to educate and inspire others about the beauty of the natural world. His photography and yard design earned numerous awards, reflecting his creative spirit and love of nature. W.C.'s humor and kindness are unforgettable. He always had a joke on hand to brighten someone's day and loved spending time with family. Though he adored Tang, pie and chili, he could never abide onions. His generosity extended to volunteering and donating to organizations he cared about, reflecting his deep compassion for others.
A celebration of W.C.'s life will be held at Trinity Baptist Church in West Memphis, Arkansas, visitation at 1PM, service will begin at 2PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in W.C.'s honor to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or a charity of your choice.
W.C.'s warmth, wit and selflessness will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter and unwavering dedication to making the world a better place.
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19 Condolence(s)
Janice Svatek
Tuesday, January 28, 2025
W.C. was a kind and special person not to be forgotten because of this may the memories of the past comfort you Connie in the future.
Kathy Ladner
Saturday, January 25, 2025
We were so sorry to hear about the loss of W.C. We first met him years ago—college age for all of us. In later years we were increasingly aware of his helpfulness and sense of humor to those he encountered either in real life or on neighborhood forums/social media. May his memory sustain you in the days ahead.—Tim and Kathy
Bridget Ciaramitaro
Saturday, January 25, 2025
W.C. was a friend in good times and bad. No matter how many years without talking, it was like no time had passed. He was a gifted photographer who was sensitive to all God's creation. There is no doubt that he loved mentoring and supporting kids. And yes, he had a heart of gold.
Jimmy & Hisami McNeil
Saturday, January 25, 2025
W. C. Will be greatly missed; he was a friend and managed a grand mineral show for our local club. It was always a pleasure to be around he and Cornelia.
Goodbye to a friend and person; may he rest in peace.
Mary Baker
Thursday, January 23, 2025
WC and Connie have been wonderful neighbors for so many years. Rest in peace WC. You will be missed in the neighborhood.
Jan Shivley
Thursday, January 23, 2025
This makes me so sad there is no one else like WC! Cornelia you are in my heart and mind and prayers. I enjoy the two of you so much and being in your home for Rock shows and your lovely jewelry and WC always had something fun to say and I will miss him very much.
Gloria Klauser
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
W C, will be so missed at MAGS, I really enjoyed conversing with him about rocks, Rest in peace my good friend
Melissa Gandy Hight
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I grew up in the same neighborhood with the McDaniel kids.
Melissa Gandy
Rick Beardsley
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
Please accept our sincere condolences for the loss of WC. He was a great person that loved his community
Robert Duncan
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
Member of WC’s rock club and personal friend
CathyParker
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
Lisa and I are so sorry for your loss. WC was such a kind person whom we had the privilege of knowing. Our prayers are with you. Love always to you Corneila, our dear friend.
Wingfield and Jonté Bouchard
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
With compassion and love we send Our deepest sympathy .
Susan thompson, Jim and john
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
I’m writing through my tears .
There was no kinder man on ‘this earth.
He and precious Cornelia welcomed us to “Rock” and engendered our love from that moment on.
I remember ~WC teaching my boys to take a huge hammer to smash geodes.
This was after he had shown them how to take the wagon we had taken on the geode field trip to careen down the hotel driveway.
I was terrified, but that sealed their love for him.
Never did they let me forget a “Rock club” meeting because of him and, as we entered the meeting room, I”d spot them making a beeline to greet him.
It was pure love.
I’m sure many others felt such deserved love for him.
Christine Lemons
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
Please accept my sincerest condolences on the passing of W C.
I enjoyed my relationship with him through the MAGS.
Godspeed.
David and Lenora Murray
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
W. C. was a wonderful, caring ambassador for rockhounds everywhere. We have so many warm memories of many wonderful collecting trips with the Memphis club. And the Memphis shows are the biggest and best in this area, due to his ( and many others) hard work.
Prayers go out to Cornelia and all MAGS members . W.C.will be missed by us all!
Love,
Lenora and Dave Murray (MAGS and CAGMAGS members)
NANCY FOLDEN
Tuesday, January 21, 2025
His leadership will be so missed.
Doris Johnston
Tuesday, January 21, 2025
What a nice man! Cornelia I'm so sorry. You are in my thoughts and prayers. He was a blessing to the club and always promoting, working and thinking club. He will be missed.
Ron briste
Tuesday, January 21, 2025
We’ll miss you W.C.
Drew Stewart
Tuesday, January 21, 2025
I will miss him. He was a great neighbor & friend. Connie, I will continue to hold you in my heart. Rest in peace WC.