of Searcy, AR

May 10, 1922 - September 15, 2019

Thomas Herman McDaniel was born to Clarence and Maggie Nier McDaniel in the Providence community of White County, Arkansas. He was the first of three sons, born to a family of sharecroppers. Most of his childhood, his family moved around White County looking for work. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Ed. His youngest brother Junior and wife Kathy live in Searcy.

Tommy joined the Army on October 5, 1942. During WWII he was a radio car operator near the front lines in Italy. He was awarded a Bronze Star for his meritorious service. He was honorably discharged in February of 1946. He came home and began a courtship to the beautiful JCPenney clerk he had met a few months earlier. He and Tina had their first date in March of 1946 and they married on March 9 a year later.

Their first son Sherrol Wayne was born on August 23, 1948. The responsibility of becoming a father led Tommy to renew his childhood faith. He and Tina served the Lord faithfully for the rest of their days. Judy Carol was born on April 22, 1951, followed by Daniel Moss on July 14, 1954. A sweet surprise came 8 years later names Emily Anna. She was born on December 27, 1962. They raised their children to know and love the Lord. Tina preceded him in death on November 27, 2005. His heart remained hers until he joined her in heaven last Sunday evening.

To support his family, Tommy worked at the International Shoe Company, then at Bingham Roller Factory, as well as any side jobs he could find. In 1959 he was hired by the United States Postal Service where he worked until his retirement in 1985. Many people have memories of Tommy delivering their mail. His reputation was a reflection of his character. He was a man of his word, a gentleman always ready with a kind word, a Christ like example of loving his neighbor as himself. He never met a stranger.

At the time of his passing, He is survived by his four children, twelve grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren, three great, great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

His grandsons will be serving as his pallbearers today, Chris McDaniel, Shawn McDaniel, Jason Piker, Charlton McDaniel, Morgan McDaniel and Spencer Ingels. Brother Mc has served as a deacon at Floyd Assembly of God for many years. The men he most recently served with are honorary pallbearers, Rudy Beavers, Don McCleland, Randall Story, Ronnie Story, Doug Walburn, Ron Castera, Leonard Holmes and Rick Lehr.

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