Jerry Franklin McDaniel

Jerry Franklin McDaniel, 79, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, in Melbourne Florida. Jerry was a lifelong resident of New Market, TN and lived on Bales Road for over 50 years. In 2018, he and his loving wife, Shirley, moved to Florida to be with their daughter, Tina. Sadly, his wife, soulmate and life partner, Shirley, passed away in October of 2020.
He is survived by his 3 children: Jerry Wayne, Ohio; Tina (Clevinger), Florida; Tommy, Tennessee; 3 grandchildren: Shane Hux, Logan Whitt (wife Ashley Gorman Whitt), and Casi McDaniel. 3 Great-grandchildren: Jacob Levi Whitt, Tucker Jamison Whitt and Mackenzie Rae Whitt; Brother: Allen McDaniel of New Market, TN. He was predeceased by brother, Eugene McDaniel, a sister who died at birth, as well as his parents, Etta Leslie (Trent) and Albert Tate McDaniel of New Market, TN.
He was a member of New Hope Baptist Church, where he faithfully attended for many years. He and Shirley ensured that their three children were raised in church and were surrounded by Gods unconditional love. Jerry lived and loved a wonderful 79 years. He married the love of his life, Shirley, in 1966 and they spent a blissful 54 years together in love.
As a self-employed, custom upholsterer, he loved working on classic cars and received honorable mention in Hot Rod magazine for his exceptional work and skill. He loved spending time at the ballfield watching his granddaughter, Casi, play softball. Throughout the years, Jerry and Shirley drove and traveled across the country, enjoyed several cruises and lived life to its fullest. Jerry also drove the school bus for Jefferson County schools for over 40 years (retired in 2017), and was loved by all the students, teachers and parents.
Jerry's family would like to personally thank all of the dear friends who have loved and supported their parents over the years. A special thank you to Edwin Valentin, Billy Kennedy, Kelly Brakebill, Delores Miller, Eugene Kivett, Margaret Lyle, Loretta Fox and so many more. They were blessed to have such incredible friends and family in their life. There are no words to express how much Jerry loved us and how much we loved him. Jerry, husband, father and friend, peaceful and graceful is now resting in the arms of God. His struggle with COPD has ended and his kind, gentle soul will endure forever in our memory. RIP Daddy: Thank you for being the bravest, kindest, and most loving father we could have ever known. We will always honor your memory and love you until we meet again.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Fielden Funeral Home in New Market on Saturday, March 1st at 11:00 AM. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. The family will hold a private graveside service later that day where he will be laid to rest beside his wife at Westview Cemetery. Fielden Funeral Home is honored to serve the McDaniel family.