Paul Michael McDaniel, 71

Durden-Hudson Funeral Directors announces the death of Mr. Paul Michael McDaniel, age 71, of Swainsboro, on Wednesday, July 3, 2024. Funeral services were conducted Sunday, July 7, at 4 p.m. in the First Methodist Church of Swainsboro with Mr. Bob Swan officiating and Reverend David Unkles to assist. The family received friends two hours prior to the service at the church. Interment followed at Eastbrook Cemetery and Mausoleum.

Pallbearers were Ty Paulk, Sidney Lanier, Timmy Beckworth, Shane Averett, Joe Nasworthy, Robert Justice, Tommy Battle and Scott Rosenau. Honorary pallbearers were Battle Lumber Company Employees and their spouses, Mrs. Rebecca Battle, The New Beginnings Sunday School Class and Mr. and Mrs. Gene Ragsdale.

Born in Vidalia, Paul was the son of Preston and Brenda Jones McDaniel. He graduated from Glenn Hills High School, “Class of 70” in Augusta and went on to graduate from Georgia Institute of Technology in 1974. As an employee of Battle Lumber Company for 24 years, Paul lived the general truth that if you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life. He was an active member of the First Methodist Church of Swainsboro where he served on many committees and boards and was a head usher for 25 years. Paul was known for his friendly and kind nature and never met a stranger. He never spoke poorly of anyone he had ever met. Paul volunteered with The Special Olympics and was a member of the Swainsboro Country Club where he enjoyed playing golf with his buddies every week. He loved music and dancing and probably danced at least once with every woman in Swainsboro. Paul was passionate about his love for The Atlanta Braves and The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. As a member of The Rotary Club, he held two of the highest awards, The Paul Harris and the Will Watt Award. Paul loved his family and friends and worshipped his grandchildren. Mr. McDaniel was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Preston Jesse Arthur McDaniel; and a sister, Brenda Elizabeth Rice.

Survivors include wife of 42 years, Cathy Dickens McDaniel of Swainsboro; daughters, Jennifer McDaniel Trapnell (William) of Metter and Mary Elizabeth Mason (Wess) of Shellman Bluff; brother, Patrick Campbell McDaniel (Janice) of San Antonio, TX; special sister-in-law, Mary S. Dickens and her spouse Kathy Morgan; grandchildren, Michael Caleb Mason, Harper Lea Trapnell, Laurie James Mason and Hallie Morgan Trapnell; and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.

Donations may be made to the First Methodist Church Playground Project or the Prostate Cancer Foundation.

Durden-Hudson Funeral Directors was in charge of arrangements.