Thomas Ray McDaniel's Obituary
We write this tribute to honor the life and legacy of Thomas Ray McDaniel. Thomas was 71
years old when he passed on to his heavenly home. He was born to Leck and Charlie Mae
McDaniel on May 15, 1953 and left us peacefully on September 13, 2024.
Thomas was a loyal, dependable, and kind-hearted man. He had a gregarious spirit that could
fill a room with joy and laughter. He graduated from Bartlett High School and remained in
Bartlett, TN, his entire life. Thomas worked at Plant Maintenance Service Corporation for over
52 years. He started as a floor sweeper, then a welder, which allowed him to lead as a company
foreman many years later. Thomas served as a Shelby Youth Sports Coach for the Bartlett
Panthers for over 20 years and inherited the title of secondary dad to many children in the
program. He is a coach at heart and a motivator to many. When Thomas was not coaching or
leading others, he spent his time fishing, hunting, golfing, and winning the World Championship
BBQ cooking contests at Memphis in May. He always had opportunities to bring people together
for fellowship and camaraderie and consistently did so.
Thomas's most significant accomplishment was the love and pride he had for his family. He
adored his wife, Vicki McDaniel, whom he married at age 20, and their loving bond endured for
50 years. His love for his three children and grandchildren was boundless. Both sons followed in
Thomas’ footsteps as high school football coaches, and his daughter, inspired by his leadership,
became a successful company owner and coach to many entrepreneurs. His legacy will live on
through the generations of his family.
Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, Leck and Charlie Mae McDaniel; father-in-law,
Clyde Halstead; mother-in-law, Betty Ruth Halstead; brother-in-law, Nolan McAdams; and
brother-in-law, Ed Lee.
Thomas is survived by his wife, Vicki McDaniel, and their three children, Thomas McDaniel,
Sarah Layson, and Mitch McDaniel. He was a proud father-in-law to Jessica McDaniel, Scott
Layson, and Crystal McDaniel. Thomas adored his eight grandchildren: Dilan, Cadence, Emma
Louise, Chance, Marlee, Vivian Rae, Ava Grace, and Pruitt. Thomas loved his sister Linda; his
brothers and their wives Charles and Vicky, Richard and Rheba; Terry and Peggy, along with
their children and grandchildren. Thomas held dear to his extended family: Betty Ann and Monty
Falls; Richard and Kim Halstead, along with their children and grandchildren.
The services will be held at First Assembly Memphis (8650 Walnut Grove) on Saturday,
September 21, at 11:30 a.m. Graveside Services will follow at 1 p.m. at Memorial Park (5668
Poplar Ave). A reception will follow at Christian Brothers High School (5900 Walnut Grove) at 2
pm
What’s your fondest memory of Thomas?
What’s a lesson you learned from Thomas?
Share a story where Thomas' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Thomas you’ll never forget.
How did Thomas make you smile?