Steve McDaniel

William "Steve" McDaniel, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on March 5, 2025, at Northside Cherokee in Canton, Georgia, at the age of 77. He was born on September 5, 1947, in Ducktown, Tennessee, to John David and Ruby Lee Fisher McDaniel. Steve was a man of remarkable character and dedication, whose life left an indelible mark on all who knew him.

Married to the love of his life, Mildred, for 57 cherished years, Steve was a steadfast partner and devoted family man. Together, they raised four children of whom they were so proud: Lisa (Edward) Vest, John (Angela) McDaniel, Matthew (Miranda) McDaniel, and April (Patrick) Potts. His pride extended to his many grandchildren who knew him as "Pappy"—Kayla (Stephen) Nazerian, Austin Vest, Abby Vest, Annabelle McDaniel, Mason McDaniel, John McDaniel Jr., Julianne McDaniel, Marshall McDaniel, Allie Potts, and Carter Potts—as well as his great-grandchildren, Maggie, Millie, and Max Nazerian. He is also survived by his sister, Charlotte (Paul) Hunter.

Steve was a member of First Baptist Church McCaysville-Copperhill. He loved the Lord and attended church all of his life. Growing up at Mobile Baptist Church, he later became a deacon and Sunday School teacher for many years. He was the example and guide leading his family to follow the Lord by faith.

Steve began his distinguished career in the grocery industry at the age of sixteen at the A&P store that once occupied the site of the McCaysville Mountain Mall. His passion for the grocery business flourished, leading him to become the manager of the new A&P store in the late 70s at the location of the current IGA until the flood of 1990. He continued managerial positions across multiple states, including Murphy, Rutherfordton, and Gastonia, North Carolina. In the later years of his career, he transitioned to Food Lion, where he managed stores in Raleigh, Smithfield, North Carolina, and Ellijay, Georgia. After a fulfilling career, he retired from Piggly Wiggly in Jasper and Ellijay, Georgia, yet continued to share his knowledge and customer service skills at Home Depot for another decade.

An avid woodworker, Steve honed his craft at Clarksville Trade School, in Clarksville, Georgia, where he specialized in woodworking. There was hardly a thing he could not repair, a skill that spoke to his resourcefulness and creativity. He relished fishing, traveling, and, most importantly, spending time with his cherished family. There was no greater joy for him than gathering around a table for a meal or embarking on family outings. He was a man who never met a stranger, and his warm spirit endeared him to everyone he encountered.

A funeral service will be held on March 8, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Cochran-McDaniel Funeral Home, McCaysville Chapel with the Rev. Gary Paris and Rev. Matthew McDaniel Officiating. Visitation will take place the evening prior, on March 7, 2025, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM. Following the service, Steve will be laid to rest in the Crestlawn Cemetery in Copperhill, Tennessee.

The following gentlemen will serve as pallbearers; John McDaniel, Matthew McDaniel, Edward Vest, Patrick Potts, Austin Vest, Mason McDaniel, John McDaniel Jr., Marshall McDaniel, Carter Potts, and Stephen Nazerian.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents and brothers; Carl,David, and Robert McDaniel.

Cochran-McDaniel Funeral Homes is honored to serve the family of William Steve McDaniel.  Send condolences and sign the guest register online at www.cochranmcdaniel.com.

*Both photos on this page taken by "Pappy" from his back porch.