James Burns McDaniel

James Burns McDaniel, 83, loving husband of Suzanne Annis “Susie” McDaniel and a resident of Parksley, VA, passed away Thursday, October 12, 2023, with his family by his side. Born August 8, 1940 in Lexington, VA, he was the son of the late Wilmer Preston McDaniel and Nancy Jane Myers Crowder and stepson of the late William B. Crowder.

For decades, James worked as a truck driver, first with H.W. Drummond and later for Accomack County. As a lifetime member of the Parksley Volunteer Fire Company, he was proud to have the opportunity to serve his community and help those in need. James was meticulous about his yard, which is where you’d often see him come spring and summer. If he wasn’t on his John Deere, he’d be sitting on the porch enjoying the fruits of his labor, always with a big grin and a wave for passersby. The kindest and humblest of souls, James was loved by all who knew him and became fast friends with those he met. He adored his family and was especially close to his grandchildren, who were grateful to have the best Pop Pop a kid could ask for.  

In addition to his wife of 54 years, he is survived by his children, Sherri McDaniel Reese and her husband, David, of Gastonia, NC and Byrney McDaniel and his wife, Dana, of Parksley; brothers, Preston Coleman McDaniel and William B. “Buddy” Crowder, Jr.; sisters, Myrtle McDaniel Childress and Shirley Ann McDaniel Underwood; grandchildren, Haley McDaniel and Dalton McDaniel; step grandson, Aaron Reese and his wife, Vanessa; and many nieces and nephews and their families. In addition to his parents and stepfather, he was predeceased by his brothers, Reese Willis McDaniel and his wife, Mary, and Herbert William McDaniel; sister, Brenda Lee McDaniel Gusler and her husband, Charlie Jr.; brothers-in-law, Nelson R. Childress, Paul Underwood; and sister-in-law, Eva Mae McDaniel.

Funeral services will be conducted from the chapel of the Williams-Parksley Funeral Home on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at 11:00 a.m., with Mr. George Fulk officiating. Interment will follow in the Parksley Cemetery. There will be a visitation at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Williams Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1, Parksley, VA 23421, to assist the family with funeral expenses.

Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements by the Williams-Parksley Funeral Home.

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