Michael McDaniel

In Columbus Ohio, on December 14, 1965, a baby boy began his Earthly Journey. On that day, Michael Anthony McDaniel was born unto John Anthony McDaniel and Rebecca Diane McDaniel. Michael grew up in the Milo-Grogan area of Columbus, Ohio and spent his childhood summers in Virginia and West Virginia. He loved visiting West Virginia where he rode ponies with his paternal grandfather, but disliked tending the hogs, cows, and pigs on his maternal grandparent’s land in Virginia. In his early years he played the trumpet, wrestled, and was a member of The Boy Scouts of America. 

Michael attended Centennial H.S. and the Career Center’s Office Management Program where he was once featured in The Columbus Dispatch representing men majoring in office management. After graduating in 1984, he enlisted in the Navy, and later returned home where he secured a career working for the State of Ohio.

Mike loved to cook, eat and laugh. He was fun-loving, loud and on many occasions, obnoxious! He loved to use ‘big’ superfluous words and playfully look down when individuals didn't know the meanings. He used his skill of articulation to write and publish articles in the Friends of The Homeless Newspaper, which he was very proud of. Other passions of his included roller skating and watching Dr. Who, The Twilight Zone, old movies, and anything of science fiction. He was an authentic character and was true to himself wherever he went. 

Michael never met a stranger and always had a smile, a scripture, or a word of encouragement for someone else. No matter his struggles or placement in life, he carried God’s Word with him. Although Michael was able to overcome and push through many obstacles in his life, he departed earth to be with the Lord on February 6, 2021. 

He is preceded in death by parents, John A. McDaniel and Rebecca D. McDaniel; paternal grandparents, George “Buck” and Thelma McDaniel; maternal grandparents, Harry and Viola Ross; aunt, Ruthella “Auntie Shrew” Ross; uncle, Wallace Ross; and special cousin, Charles McDaniel. He leaves behind to cherish in his memories; sister Jada McDaniel, niece Kailé Rebecca McDaniel, brother Marlon Dorsett, siblings; Gena Moore, Fred and Gregory Diggs, Marsha Blackwell, all of Columbus, OH; aunts, Sheila Ross of Rocky Mount, VA and Maxine Bandoh of Syracuse, NY and a host of family and friends. Special to his heart were relatives: Gilda Pitts, Camillia Hall and Keith Burks. 

To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.

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