Charles Walter McDaniel,

Charles Walter McDaniel, age 81 of Athens passed away December 16, 2008 following a lengthy illness. The son of Willa Hudson McDaniel and Charles Strickland McDaniel, “Walter” was born September 3, 1927 in Adel.

As a young man, he served honorably in the United States Army and attained the rank of sergeant. In 1950, he began his career with the National Life and Accident Insurance Company in Fort Valley where he met his wife of 56 years, Vivian Pyles McDaniel. In 1964, he was promoted to the position of district manager in Athens where he and Vivian raised their children. He retired from the company with 33 years of service. He was such a “people person” that he started a second career at Heyward Allen Toyota where he truly enjoyed meeting people and helping them with their car purchases.

After “retiring” a second time, Walter continued to spend time with his family and friends at home in Athens and at the family’s Lake Oconee home. He was a faithful member of Chapelwood United Methodist Church since 1964. He enjoyed fishing as a hobby, but most of all he loved gardening. Walter’s “Rutgers” tomatoes were legendary, and he loved giving them away to everyone.

In addition to his wife, Vivian, he is survived by his children Sherrie and Lanier Owen of Madison; Patricia and Ted Brook of Sandy Springs; Charles Walter McDaniel, Jr. of Adel; and David and Angela Millner McDaniel of Watkinsville. He is also survived by grandchildren Jonathan and Leigh Hilsman Owen; Charles and April Hunnicutt Owen; and Michael Owen all of Madison; and Rachel McDaniel and Mark McDaniel of Watkinsville. His great-grandchildren are Clayton Owen, Bailey Owen, and Reese Owen. His parents and his siblings, Louelle McDaniel, Lester McDaniel, Henry Wright McDaniel, and Willie McDaniel preceded him in death. He is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held Friday, December 19, 2008 at 2 p.m. at Chapelwood United Methodist Church in Athens. The family welcomes memorial flowers or requests that those wishing to make donations in his memory make them to Chapelwood United Methodist Church, 100 Janice Drive, Athens, GA 30606.

Online tributes for Mr. McDaniel may be made at www.mem.com.
Bernstein Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.