Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1940
DIED
2017
FUNERAL HOME
Sidney McDaniel Obituary
Dr. McDaniel was born October 15, 1940, in Memphis, and was the son of John Thomas McDaniel and Grace Marie Hurst McDaniel. He attended Forrest City High School and graduated in 1958. He was a Professor at Mississippi State University, where he had received his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees. He received his doctorate degree from Florida State University. He belonged to the Institute for Botanical Exploration and had spent time in the Amazon River Valley and rain forest gathering plants for medical research. His collection for plant identification is in the Botanical Institute in St. Louis, and he identified plants for the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. His plant collection from all over the world was over a million. He was a member of the Episcopal Restoration Church in Starkville.
Dr. McDaniel is survived by one brother, John Louis McDaniel, and wife, Constance, of Forrest City, one nephew, John Brian McDaniel of Forrest City, and two nieces; Elizabeth Hoskyn of Stuttgart and Rebecca M. Green of Fort Worth, Texas. He had one sister, Mary Jane McDaniel who preceded him in death.
Services for Dr. McDaniel will be held Graveside, 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, at the McDaniel Cemetery, 360 SFC 732, Forrest City, Ar. 72335. All friends are welcome to attend. Stevens Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. You may log on to stevensfuneralhome.net for the on line registry.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sidney McDaniel
Sponsored by Stevens Funeral Home.
Ramesh
November 7, 2023
I am very latewith my message but I only learnt of Dr McDaniel death recently. I am very much saddened to learn of the death of great botanist. Professor McDaniel was my minor professor at MSU. I spent a lot of time with him in his lab. Rest in Peace Sir. Not easy to replace folks of your like you. Very kind and helpful.
December 14, 2017
May your cherish memories sustain you during your difficult time of loss Jobs 14:14.
November 29, 2017
My condolences to your Family may God's loving kindness comfort you and help you through this difficult time Psalms 119:50,76
November 29, 2017
My condolences to your Family may God's loving kindness comfort you and help you through this difficult time Psalms 119:50,76
T Hines
November 23, 2017
My condolences to the family, may warm and loving memories of Sidney bring you comfort, Isaiah 61:1,2 "God binds up the brokenhearted and comforts all who mourn."
November 17, 2017
Sending thoughts of comfort and hope.
Creasa
Terri Ballinger
November 15, 2017
Thank you Doc for many great years as a friend and mentor. You were too good for this world. Rest in sweet peace.
Bill Snyder
November 15, 2017
As a student at MSU from 1988-92, I had the opportunity to work for Mr. McDaniel. He was a great person as well as a respected Botanist. I have many fond memories of my time working there.
EARL ALFORD
November 14, 2017
DR. MCDANIEL TAUGHT ME AT MSU IN 1962. A DEAR FRIEND AND ONE OF THE BEST BOTANIST OF ALL TIME. I WILL TRULY MISS VISITING WITH HIM AND LOOKING AT HIS RAINFOREST COLLECTIONS
Shirley W. Thorn
November 13, 2017
McDaniel Family sorry for your loss.
Sherrie Wiygul
November 13, 2017
attempting to keep up with him on a field trip!
In addition, as a graduate student, he always found time to help me.
Louis Gary
November 13, 2017
As a young student from 1978-82 I worked for Dr. McDaniel as a lab tech mounting plants and recording his field notes and identifications for plant specimens labels cataloged in the MSU herbarium. Dr. McDaniel was a highly respected botanical research professor.
Later in 1988, as I returned to state to work on a second degree, my life partner Rocky and I both worked with Sidney. We remember that he had a Squibb contract to collect pounds of privet leaves that summer which kept everyone busy. Sidney was a highly intelligent, unique individual whose contributions to society may not be adequately recognized. Somewhat a nervous absent minded professor, his spark would ignite if the subject turned to a rare plant specimen brought in for identification by the extension service. Sidney lived alone most of his life and would often be found sleeping in the herbarium at the biology lab near the plant life he so enjoyed. We adored Sidney for his unique personality, his love for flora, and his indelible mark on Mississippi State University. - Louis Gary / Rocky Nixon (Atlanta, GA) 404-290-2313
Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results
Make a Donation
in Sidney McDaniel's name
Memorial Events
for Sidney McDaniel
How to support Sidney's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Sidney McDaniel's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
