Daniel McDaniel
Daniel "Dan" F. McDaniel, 77, of Chattanooga, passed away peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior on June 27, 2020 after a brief illness. His last breath on earth was his first breath in heaven.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth Glass McDaniel (mother), Frank McDaniel (father), and his beloved sister, Bobbie Debord and beloved brother-in-law, Oliver DeBord.
Survivors include his son, Bryan McDaniel (Rhonda), his grandson, Carson Trent McDaniel, all of Flintstone, Ga., sister, Nancy Hegwood (Ralph) of Tampa, Fl., his previous wife, Norma McDaniel, Chickamauga, Ga., and Gail Patterson, loving companion of 30 years, Chattanooga, as well as cousins, nephews and nieces.
Dan was born in LaFayette, Ga. He graduated from LaFayette High School in 1961 and the University of Georgia in 1965. He was an avid Dawg fan and long time season ticket holder, enjoying many games in Sanford Stadium.
After college he became an entrepreneur and business owner. He took a failing moving company and grew it to be the largest and most successful relocation company in the Tri-state area. A-1 Moving was an agent for NorthAmerican Van Lines for 30 years. Dan also owned Data Storage Center for 15 years.
In 1996 he built Chattanooga's first indoor Climate Controlled storage facility in Chattanooga with his business partner Gail Patterson, and another in Dalton, in1997. More recently in 2016, he rejuvenated his family farm of 200+ years into a working cattle farm where hundreds of cattle were raised in the years since. Dan adored spending time on the farm tending and watching the cows with his faithful dog, "Buddy".
Dan was a member of the First Baptist Church of Chickamauga where he served as chairman of the deacons, and he served as president and volunteered many hours for the Chickamauga Lions Club. Dan also served as chairman of the Chickamauga City School Board and was a member of the Georgia Cattlemen's Association.
Dan met few strangers and had a smile for everyone. His joking manner endeared him to many. He loved life, enjoyed spending time with friends, family and his farm. His kindness touched many lives and he will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Dan’s honor to Gordon Lee Alumni Association, 105 Lee Circle, Chickamauga, Ga. 30707.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, in the funeral home chapel with Dennis Jackson officiating. Burial will follow at Center Point Cemetery in Rock Spring, Ga.
Please visit www.heritagechattanooga.com to share words of comfort and view the memorial tribute.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 8, from 5-8 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 E. Brainerd Road.