Gerald Wayne McDaniel, of Auburn, was born on Aug. 6, 1950, in Clay County, Alabama, to Lawtice and Lavert McDaniel and passed peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on July 27, 2023.
Gerald was a gracious, caring and loving husband, father, grandfather and friend.
A 1968 graduate of Benjamin Russell High School, he attended Central Alabama Community College in Alexander City, Alabama, before transferring to Auburn University to major in Civil Engineering. After finishing at Auburn, he embarked on a career with the Alabama Department of Transportation. During his 43 years of service, he held several positions, including project inspector, district permit engineer and division permit engineer before retiring in 2011.
He was a proud member of Parkway Baptist Church for 49 years. Throughout those years he faithfully served Parkway as the church treasurer, a church trustee, a deacon and for the last 37 years as lead teacher to the New Life Sunday School Class, which he loved dearly.
He was preceded in death by his parents Lawtice and LavertSpears McDaniel and his wife of 50 years, Charlotte McDaniel. He is survived by his children, Brian (Brooke) McDaniel; Brad (Anna) McDaniel; grandchildren Jackson Stewart McDaniel, Caroline Elizabeth McDaniel, Avery Grace McDaniel and Kenneth Reid McDaniel; as well as a number of beloved cousins and family.
A graveside service was held July 31, at Hillview Memorial Park located in Alexander City followed by a Celebration of Life Service at Parkway Baptist Church in Auburn. The Rev. Jeff Redmond officiated.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gerald’s memory to the Parkway Baptist Church Library or the New Life Class Benevolence Fund at Parkway Baptist Church.