Dennis Craig McDaniel

Dennis Craig McDaniel passed away peacefully on August 2, 2025, surrounded by his beloved family. He was 80 years old.

Dennis was born on October 21, 1944, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Archiebald Philip McDaniel and Helen Ray McDaniel. He grew up alongside his older brother, Jerry, and younger brother, David, and graduated from Webster Groves High School in 1962. He went on to attend Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri, where he was a proud member of Beta Theta Pi and the ROTC. He graduated in 1966 and soon after served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.

After returning from Vietnam, Dennis moved to Evergreen, Colorado, where he worked in a department store and tended bar at the Red Ram to pay off his bar tab. It was there he met a spirited waitress from Mississippi named Dora Alice Taff. The two fell in love and were married in 1972 at Sunshine, Dora's cherished family farm. Summers at Sunshine-on the porch with sweet tea in hand-became a treasured tradition for Dennis and the generations that followed.

Dennis and Dora eventually settled in Atlanta, Georgia, raising their three children-Michael, Mark, and Margaret-in the close-knit neighborhood of Garden Hills, where they formed friendships that have lasted a lifetime. They loved the summers at Garden Hills' pool, the Ice Cream Socials, and the birthday parties at the park. Dennis worked in retail management in the textile industry, and he and Dora also co-owned Linens Inc. in Marietta with close friends.

In 1986, they moved to Sandy Springs, where Dennis would live for the next 39 years. He was deeply involved in his children's lives, coaching basketball and attending every sporting event imaginable-from Buckhead Baseball to Basketball games and track meets at Holy Innocents. In retirement, he fulfilled a longtime dream of restoring a 1969 white Triumph TR6 convertible, proudly showcasing it at car shows around Georgia.

His greatest joy, however, was spending time with his seven grandchildren: Lana (16), Candler (15), Mateo (14), Parker (13), Andrew (9), James (9), and Evelyn (6). Holidays and summers with his family were his happiest times.

Dennis and Dora were devoted members of Peachtree Presbyterian Church for over 40 years. Dennis was known for his unfailing kindness, easy smile, and genuine interest in everyone he met. He never met a stranger and was beloved by all who knew him. A gifted salesman, Dennis' real talent was the warmth and authenticity he brought to every interaction.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Dora McDaniel; his brother David McDaniel and wife Ronna; his children Michael McDaniel and wife Lauren, Mark McDaniel and wife Veronica, and Margaret Reilly and husband Kevin; and his cherished grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Jerry.

A service celebrating Dennis' life will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday September 22nd at the Kellett Chapel, Peachtree Presbyterian Church, 3434 Roswell Road NW, Atlanta, GA 30305.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association in memory of Dennis.