Mr. Willie McDaniel, Jr. was born May 30,1945 in Laurens County, South Carolina. He was son of the late Willie McDaniel, Sr. and Beatrice Williams McDaniel.

Willie was educated in the public schools of Laurens County, South Carolina and was a member of Pleasant View Missionary Baptist Church family in Gray Court, South Carolina where he served as a Church Greeter.

Willie began his adult life in Detroit, Michigan from 1965 (where he was affectionally known as “Big Will”). He worked at General Motors for 40 years before retiring. In 2016 he moved backed to South Carolina where he continued to enjoy a good game of golf, playing cards, and smoking cigars with family and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of fifty-five years, Shirley Jean McDaniel and his brother, Johnny “Pank” McDaniel.

On Saturday, August 1, 2026, at the age of eighty-one, Mr. Willie McDaniel, Jr. departed this life and entered Eternal Rest.

He leaves his cherished legacy memories to his son, Terrance McDaniel of Detroit, MI; his loving daughter, Tiffany McDaniel of the home; two grandchildren: Tiffany Tate and Jamal McConnal both of Detroit, MI; two bonus grandchildren: Noah Hill of Detroit, MI and Carla Thomason of Greenville, SC; four great grandchildren; six sisters: Annie P. McDaniel, Yvonne Shands, Ruby (Eugene) Carter, Betty Myrick, Cheryle R. McDaniel, and Jacqueline McDaniel; one bonus sister, Dorothy A. Hellams; one brother-in-law, Leroy Thomas; two sisters-in-law: Emma Anner of Detroit, MI and Mary F. Jackson; a special lifelong best friend/brother to both Willie and Shirley, Boyce Hellams of Detroit, MI; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends who will miss him dearly.