James "Kenny" McDaniel

James Kenneth “Kenny” McDaniel, 79 of Marianna, Florida died Thursday, September 10, 2026.

Kenny was born January 9, 1947, in Marianna, Florida to Lee Wilson and Audrey Mae McDaniel. After high school, he joined the U.S. Air Force, where he served his country for 22 years. He and his family served tours internationally as well as stateside, including a stint in Vietnam. He became a skilled mechanic in the USAF and continued that career as a civilian, after retiring as an E7 Master Sargent.

He was always tinkering on something. If it had an engine, Kenny could fix it, but few things made him as happy as pulling the handle on a slot machine or his Florida State Seminoles. If Kenny was home, you would find Angel and Sandy, his four-legged best friends next to him. He ensured his dogs were well cared for with a healthy diet of fried chicken. Kenny was a loving father, devoted husband and cherished grandfather.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Annelle McDaniel; parents, Lee Wilson and Audrey Mae Medlock McDaniel; sisters, Sandra Himes and Janice Zimmerle; and grandson, Jessee Zelnick.

He is survived by his children, Lydia Dawn Tischler and husband, Gabe, James Kenneth “Jamie” McDaniel and wife, Lisa, Peewee Bryan, John Byran and wife, Missy; Jean Lipford, Lori Barwick and husband, Jason; grandchildren, Hana Copeland (Nathan), Lydia Baxter (Matt), Kayley Shouppe (Gavin), Kody Bryan (Rebecca), Kiley Bryan (Shayna), Stephanie Tisius (Bradly), Whitney Lipford, Riley Lipford, Jadon Combs (Zack), Jason Barwick (Kari), Anna Andrews (Cordel);18 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Buddy Hall; honorary grandchildren, Cory, Carson and Caden Akerson; and numerous nieces and nephews he loved dearly.

The family will receive friends from 4 to 5 PM Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel.

Memorlization will be by cremation with James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel in charge of arrangements.