Danny Carl McDaniel, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and lifelong servant of his community, passed away peacefully after a battle with Parkinson’s disease on the morning of July 30, 2025, at the age of 81.

Born July 24, 1944, in Wytheville, Virginia, Danny remained deeply rooted in the place he called home for nearly his entire life. A proud graduate of George Wythe High School, Class of 1963, he went on to be part of the inaugural class of Wytheville Community College before earning his degree from Virginia Tech in 1968. Later he received his master’s degree from Radford University. A proud Hokie for life, Danny carried the values of education, service, and loyalty into everything he did.

Danny dedicated 38 years to the field of education as a teacher and administrator, touching countless lives throughout Wythe County. His devotion to public service extended far beyond the classroom. He served as Chairman of the Wythe County Board of Supervisors, President of the Kiwanis Club, member of the Wytheville-Wythe-Bland Chamber of Commerce, and sat on the Board of Directors for Wytheville Community College. In 2017, his years of commitment were honored when he was named Wythe-Bland Citizen of the Year. Just recently, he was presented the Town of Wytheville and Wythe County Civic Monument Award.

He was also a faithful member of St. Paul United Methodist Church, where his presence and leadership were a steady part of the congregation.

He was a past member of the Board of Directors, Wythe County United Way; Board of Directors, Mount Roger’s Planning District Commission; Member Wythe-Grayson Library Board of Directors; Wythe County Social Services Board of Directors; and Board of Directors Wytheville Housing Authority. Above all, Danny’s proudest role was that of husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Ellen McDaniel; his children Paul McDaniel (Melanie), Neal McDaniel (Autumn), and Meredith McDaniel Melchiori (Robert); and his five treasured grandchildren: Lawson, Summer, Noel, Anna, and Reid; many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Warren and Radie McDaniel, and his siblings Russell, Carson, Hastel, Doug, and Juanita.

Danny was lovingly cared for by his devoted caregiver and nurse, Anita, and caregiver, D’Lynn, to whom we are endlessly grateful. Words cannot express our appreciation. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the hospice caregivers Deanna, Pam, and Susan for their exceptional compassion and care. Danny was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed by all who knew him.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 3rd at 5:00 p.m. at Grubb funeral home. Funeral services will follow on Monday, August 4th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Wytheville, with burial at West End Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Wytheville Fire Rescue or St. Paul United Methodist Pre-School. Please make donations in memory of Danny McDaniel. Donations can be mailed to Wytheville Fire Rescue at 195 West Spring Street, Wytheville, VA 24382 or SPUMC Preschool at 330 Church Street Wytheville, VA 24382. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com. Grubb Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.