Jack Willis McDaniel

Jack Willis McDaniel, a private driver whose beautiful, resonant baritone filled the sanctuary of Northminster Baptist Church in Jackson, Mississippi, for decades, died peacefully on Nov. 19 at 90.
Born in Goodman, Mississippi, Jack was the sixth child in a musical family and was encouraged to sing from a very young age. He earned a bachelor's in sociology with a minor in music from Mississippi College in 1955, and a master's of social work from Florida State University. After college, he served in the Army Reserves.
In the '60s, Jack was a civil rights worker in north Mississippi. One friend remembers him as "a man with a mission to eliminate poverty and provide opportunity for minorities in Mississippi."
He joined Northminster Baptist Church in 1971, becoming one of the Northminster Nine, the church's original choir directed by Karen Gilfoy. He was a frequent church soloist and sang in many musicals and operas-at Little Theater, New Stage, and beyond. He was a former president of Opera Mississippi. He also acted in several local television commercials. During the '90s, strangers often recognized him on the street as the Clinton Body Shop man.
Jack first met Linda Mann at New Stage when they were actors in a musical review in the '80s. Years later, they would marry and share their love of music. They performed duets many times at both New Stage and Northminster.
He was a social worker turned stockbroker and insurance agent, but his favorite job of all came late in life: At age 80, he began driving for Uber and quickly developed a private clientele that endured until the day he died. The gig was never boring. There was the man at the Jackson airport who requested a ride to Las Vegas. (Jack accepted the ride, taking him as far as Denton, Texas, before Uber put an end to their adventure.) And the client from Venezuela who couldn't speak English and forgot to bring her meds to the U.S. Jack adored helping people and showing them his city. He was resourceful and charming and seemed to have boundless energy, leading more than one family member to call him not a human being but "a human, doing."
Pre-deceasing him were his parents, Anise Pickering McDaniel and Major Cyrus McDaniel Sr.; a brother, Major C. McDaniel Jr.; and his sisters Anise Brock, Annette Robertson, and Jane Wade.
Survivors are his wife, Linda Mann; his children, Lyn Millner and Jack McDaniel Jr. ("Chip"), along with Chip's wife, LeAnne McDaniel; two grandchildren, Jocelyn Hallenbeck and Patrick Netherclift; two great-grandchildren, Shiloh and Arden; his sister Sara Davis; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; and countless riders, many of whom were like family to him.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Northminster Baptist Church in Jackson, Mississippi, or to a charity of choice. The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the staff of St. Dominic's Hospital and ICU for their special care and kindness.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at Northminster, 3955 Ridgewood Rd, Jackson, MS 39211. Visitation at 10 a.m. Service at 11 a.m.