Mr. Howard Junior McDaniel

Howard Junior McDaniel, was born the 12th son to Memphis and Leila McDaniel, in Social Circle, GA, on the 20th day of March, 1939. Howard was truly a man of God and enjoyed sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with everyone he met. His smile was genuine and he never met a stranger. He loved to travel to various churches with his wife of 67 years, ministering and singing about the Lord. He was fond of the banjo and could be found picking and singing a gospel tune in his spare time.

Howard was a Master Carpenter by trade and belonged to the Atlanta Carpenters Local Union. He worked as a superintendent building shopping centers and as a carpenter building residential homes, even building 4 homes of his own. He was an awesome painter and landscaper, as reflected in his parade of the purple Rose of Sharons along his driveway.

After retiring, he spent 14 more years delivering Meals on Wheels to those that were home bound and in need. He loved visiting the Rockmart Senior Center and sharing stories with many friends that he had made along the way.

Howard's life is a testimony to the healing power and mercies of Christ Jesus. When he was 19 he fell 3 stories while building a hi-rise in Atlanta, escaping with only minor bruising. He had 2 vertebrae taken from his back at age 33, then broke his back in his 50's while painting siding, but never failed to keep the faith that God would heal him and he did.

Howard loved horseback riding, boating, camping, and gardening in his younger years. He rode a bicycle with Patsy up and down the Comet Trail. He spent a lot of time with his family and church family sharing Christ. He was a good husband and never failed to tell her how much he loved her, fondly calling her his Lady Bug. He was a great Dad and Father to his 2 daughters (Connie and Rhonda) and his son (Stephen). He never failed to mentor his children, teaching them about the Lord Jesus Christ first and always how to fix just about anything. He was a special friend to so many, always willing to pitch in and help when needed. He became a beautiful Light House, just like the ones he always admired.

He will be sorely missed.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by 6 brothers, Hoyt McDaniel (Minnie), Okey McDaniel, George McDaniel, Henry McDaniel, Otis McDaniel, Ernest McDaniel (Barbara); 5 sisters, Lois Bentley (WB), Margery Brandley (Clifford), Pinkey Walls (Sam), Nellie Mae Knight (James), Ruby Knight (Junior).

He is survived by his wife, Patsy McDaniel; children, Connie Miller (Jerry), Rhonda McDaniel, and Stephen McDaniel; grandchildren, Rachael Dziewiatkowski (Joshua), Nathan Miller, Brandon Koehle (Kendal), Dustin Koehle (Jason), and Cierra Rose Pritchett; great-grandchildren, Kaleb Dziewiatkowski, Kelti Dziewiatkowski; other extended family and friends.

Memorial Services for Mr. Howard McDaniel will be held on Sunday, February 8, 2026 at 3 P.M. at Benson Funeral Home.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 8, 2026 from 2 P.M. until the time of the service at 3 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, the family is receiving donations to help cover the cost of funeral expenses.

Benson Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. Howard McDaniel.