Age 71, Elkton, Va.
Buddy Franklin McDaniel, 71, of Elkton, VA, went to be with his Lord and Savior, October 16, 2026, at Monroe Health and Rehab in Charlottesville. He was born December 20, 1954, in Harrisonburg, VA and was the son of the late June Franklin and Alva Mae “Lam” McDaniel.
He graduated from Elkton High School in 1974 and was an electrician by trade.
Buddy married Druesilla Gibson McDaniel on August 10, 2015, who survives. He is also survived by, a stepson, Jordan Gibson and wife, Amber, and two step-grandchildren, Scarlett & Calvin.
Also surviving are his sisters, Carolyn Campbell (Jack) of Shenandoah, Diane Howe of Elkton, and Connie Wyant (Darrell) of Elkton, and brother, Eddie McDaniel (Kelly) of Harrisonburg.
Buddy was a resident at Monroe Health and Rehab Facility in Charlottesville, VA for the past 17 years. He met his wife there and they were married there by Pastor Dan Hughes.
He taught bible studies there for some time. Buddy never lost his faith and he never gave up, always believing he was going to get out of the nursing home, cruise around Elkton again, and ride his favorite back roads with his music turned up loud. He was a member of King’s Harbor Church of Elkton before going into the nursing home, serving faithfully anywhere he was needed.
At the nursing home, he enjoyed playing Wii games as well Triominos, doing ceramics, and painting black velvet pictures. He was a big fan of Chuck Norris and John Wayne; he spent quite a bit of time watching their movies. Buddy never met a stranger, believing they were friends he just hadn’t quite met yet. He had a friendly nature and loved to tell jokes.
Buddy had a love for basketball and was often found at the basketball courts in Elkton, as well as playing rec league volleyball during his younger years. He had a special love for children and a natural gift for connecting with them. A kid at heart himself, he had a gift for getting down on a child’s level, sparking their imagination, and starting an adventure. Buddy loved loud music, muscle cars, and clothes. Lots and lots of clothes. Most of all, he loved Jesus, his family, and his friends.
The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, October, 24, 2026, at King’s Harbor Church in Elkton, with Pastor Julian Shifflett and Pastor Dan Hughes officiating. Burial will follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Elkton, VA.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the family to help offset the unexpected expenses.
Arrangements are being handled by the Kyger Funeral Home in Elkton, Va.
Be the first to comment