William James “Bill” Mcdaniels

William James “Bill” McDaniels, age 91, of Belding, formerly of Leslie, passed away at home on Sunday afternoon, May 28, 2017, under the care of his dear wife and Great Lakes Caring hospice. He was born in Leslie, Michigan, on November 5, 1925, the son of Claude and Jennie (Christie) McDaniels, both of whom preceded him in death. He graduated from Leslie High School with the Class of 1943. And served his country in the United States Army Air Force During World War II, in the 490th Bomber Group. He married Jeane Marie Sturgis and she preceded him in death in 1982. He later married Grace Ann Smith-McDaniels and she survives. Bill was self-employed in his plumbing, heating and electrical business for several years before he and Jeane moved to Florida. They resided there for over 20 years and he worked for the State of Florida at the Ringling Art Museum complex in Sarasota. He enjoyed woodworking. was an avid reader, enjoyed euchre and cribbage and playing poker on the computer. He was an excellent cook and one of his greatest pleasures was cooking for friends. He had a great sense of humor and was an interesting conversationalist and storyteller. He was a modest, kind and helpful man and was a perfect example of Proverbs 17:22 “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.”

In addition to his loving wife, Grace, Bill leaves to cherish his memory, his son, William D. (Linda) McDaniels of Henderson, NV; step-children David McDaniels and Martha (Mike) Kroll both of Grand Rapids; grandsons William McDaniels and Richard McDaniels both of Nevada; step granddaughter Emily (Josh) Wilford of Grand Rapids; step-great-grandchildren Jordan Grace and Sam Wilford; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. In addition to his parents and first wife, Bill was preceded in death by a brother, Frank Richard McDaniels.

A Celebration of Life Gathering, for Bill, will take place on Saturday, June 10, 2017, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Verdun Family Funeral Home, 303 S. Bridge Street, Belding, Michigan 48809. Those planning on attending the gathering are welcomed to bring a colorful helium balloon for placement in a bouquet representing the vibrant and uplifting life that Bill enjoyed and shared with us all. Friends and relatives are also encouraged to keep Bill’s spirit alive by doing a kind deed for someone in their life. Those planning to express their sympathy through a memorial contribution are welcomed to donate in Bill’s memory to the Alvah N. Belding Library or the Safe Haven Humane Society.