Donald Kenneth "Don" McDaniel

Donald Kenneth McDaniel

October 1953 – December 2025

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of a Beloved Husband, Father, Friend, and Coach

Donald ("Don") Kenneth McDaniel, age 72, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on December 1st, 2025. He was the beloved and devoted husband of Susan Elizabeth (Reed) McDaniel, sharing 41 glorious years of marriage filled with love, faith, and adventure.

Born in Birmingham, Alabama, on October 29th, 1953, Don was the son of Kenneth and Joyce McDaniel. He graduated from Tennessee Tech University, where he played football and earned his bachelor's degree in education. Driven by his passion for the game, Don pursued his football dreams in the NFL as a linebacker for the Miami Dolphins. Following his career in the NFL, Don built a successful career in the freight logistics industry, serving as an executive-level manager and owner.

Don was a faithful follower of Christ and had many church families across the country. He was anchored in his faith, and he raised his family to share his love for the Lord. A man of many passions, Don enjoyed spending time with his horses, fishing, and relaxing at the beach. One could say he was half cowboy, half beach boy. Don was a captivating storyteller and showman. He delighted in utilizing these skills often in the entertainment of his children and grandchildren and spreading his love for the Lord.

Don is survived by his wife, Susan, and their six children: son, Derek Arciniaga; son, Christian "Spike" (Kimberly) McDaniel and their children: Ryan, Maia, Maverick, Christian, and Bennett; daughter, Jacqui (RJ) Pierce and their children: Addison, Hayes, and Reed; daughter, Megan (Orion) Smith and their children: Gabriel, Jonah, Shiloh, Micah, Levi, Joel Capri, and Elizabeth Lee; daughter, Elizabeth (Anthony) Huspen and their children: Kedan, Harper, and Elleana; daughter, Meredith (Jeremy) Murdock and their children: Morgan, Tristan, and Collins.

Don is also survived by his brother, Bill (Martha) McDaniel; his sister, Patricia Behne; and many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Joyce McDaniel, and his sister, Susan Bishop.

Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life for Don at New Vision Baptist Church on December 20th, 2025, at 11:00 AM. Visitation will follow from 12:30 to 2:00 PM.

In his last act of generosity and hope for future generations, Don's final gift to the world was a donation of himself to the Boston University CTE Center for research. Those wishing to honor his memory are invited to make donations in memoriam, or in lieu of flowers, to the BU CTE Brain Bank and Neuropathology Fund using the link below:

https://bit.ly/bu_cte

Don's legacy of faith, kindness, strength, and love lives on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who were blessed to know him.