Willie James "Bill" McDaniels

Willie James “Bill” McDaniels, 89, passed away on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Gordon Hospice House.

Bill was born on March 19, 1937, to the late David U.G. McDaniels and Mary Lambert McDaniels. He attended Statesville City schools and married Sally “Jane” Troutman McDaniels on June 7, 1957. Together they shared 68 years of marriage before Jane preceded him in death in 2025. He retired from J.C. Steele & Sons after 40 years of dedicated service.

Bill and Jane were faithful members of First Wesleyan Church. He loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus, and enjoyed reading the Bible. A devoted family man, Bill treasured the time he spent with his loved ones. He enjoyed the simple pleasures of the outdoors including hunting, fishing, gardening, hiking and camping. He also gave back to his community by serving as co-leader of the local 4H Club, where he invested in the lives of many young people.

Those left to cherish his memory include his daughter, Teresa Beaver; son, Jeffrey McDaniels (Lorie); daughter, Cynthia Russ (Dodd); grandsons, Jeffrey McDaniels II and Jordan Poe; and sisters, Brenda Steele, Dorothy McDaniels, and June Starnes (Andy).

In addition to his parents and his wife, Jane, Bill was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Steve Beaver; one sister, Laura Sipes; and his four brothers, Paul McDaniels, Sherman McDaniels, David McDaniels, and Kenneth McDaniels.

Services to celebrate Bill’s life will be held at 3:00 pm on Thursday, June 11, 2026, in the Troutman Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. David Troutman officiating. The family will visit with friends prior to the service from 2:00 pm until 3:00 pm.

Memorials may be made in Bill’s honor to Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625.

Arrangements for Mr. McDaniels are in the care of Troutman Funeral Home.