Ricky Joe McDaniel
Mr. Ricky Joe McDaniel, 56, of New Hope Church Rd., Carrollton, Georgia entered into rest peacefully on Sunday, February 5, 2012 after an extended illness. Ricky was born January 3, 1956, in Bowdon, Georgia to Barbara Sue Robinson McDaniel Walls and the late Benny McDaniel.
Ricky was a 1974 graduate of Bowdon High School. After graduation, he pursued a career in the field of automotive mechanics. As a master diesel mechanic, he owned and operated West Georgia Truck Repair from 1985 to 1995. In 1996, he was employed by the State of Georgia and served as a Park Ranger at John Tanner State Park. During his service to the state, he was also a ranger with the Georgia Forestry Commission. He completed his sixteen years of service to the state of Georgia and Carroll County as a Maintenance Supervisor at John Tanner State Park. Ricky was also a skilled carpenter, electrician and plumber.
Along with being a hard worker, Ricky was a devoted family man and was beloved by all that knew him. His time away from work was spent outdoors appreciating nature and wildlife. He loved to cook, garden, fish, and ride his John Deer Tractor.
Ricky will be met in Heaven by his grandfather Hez Robinson and father Benny McDaniel. He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Elaine Hardegree McDaniel; beloved daughters Autumn Garber and Amanda Garber; grandmother Maggie Robinson; mother Barbara Sue Walls; sisters Rita Johnson, Rhonda Johnson and Renea Slaton McDaniel; nieces Christy Johnson and Misty Bates; nephew Joseph Johnson; parents-in-law Freddie and Martha Hardegree; and other cherished family and friends.
A service to honor the life of Ricky will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. at New Hope Methodist Church, Carrollton, GA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Tanner Hospice Care, 101 Clinic Avenue, Carrollton, GA 30117
I met Ricky years ago when we were both employed by the forestry commission. He taught me lots of stuff, mostly which had nothing to do directly with forestry, but living our lives in the right way. After Ricky left GFC, we stayed in touch. Several years ago while camping at Tanner State Park, Ricky found we there, came to visit and made sure our stay was one to remember. He was a great host, and a great friend, well respected by everyone who knew him.
My family will always remember him as the park ranger with a heart of gold. A true and honest man. Though I will miss him, I know he is no longer suffering and has a new body which we shall see again one day. We pray for Ricky’s family that thru God’s grace you will be comforted in these troubling days. But remember, you have many fond and wonderful memories of Ricky! Cherish those memories everyday and be thankful for them and the man he was.
My Brother was more than a brother,he was my best friend,my daddy& the one who taught me about life of how to think like a man and wow that really came in handy,and to this day if I get in a bind I catch myself picking up the phone to call Ricky.But then I remember hes in heaven. But let me say this I have 2 wonderful brother-in-laws and I can call them at any time I want or feel the need to.GOD himself guides me,so its kinda like Ricky,papa,daddy,kk and all the rest of my family& friends are walking with me in hard or good times. What makes me really sad is for some reason my Lainy doesn’ want nothing to do with me, WHY I DON’T KNOW. if anyone knows why PRETTY PLEASE tell me due tp the fact I really really miss our times where we just sit on the back porch in rocking chairs just enjoying each others company.I would like to say 1more thing that Mrs.ELAIN H. McDANIEL WAS RICKY J.McDANIEL’S my brothers SOUL MATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE YALL BOTH.I just felt the need to get this off my chest..xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo to my beautiful sis-n-law Lainy!!!!!!!!!!!