Roger Gaskin McDaniel

Roger Gaskin McDaniel, 77, of Lee County, Georgia, passed away Thursday, June 25, 2026, at his residence. Graveside funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Floral Memory Gardens Cemetery with Rev. Chad Ellis officiating.

Roger was born in Columbia, South Carolina, to the late Riley Gaskin McDaniel and Mary Frances Rogers McDaniel. As the son of a career military serviceman, Roger spent much of his childhood living at military duty stations throughout the United States and overseas, including England and Japan. His father served during World War II in the Army Air Corps and later in the United States Air Force until his retirement.

Roger spent most of his school years in the Florida Panhandle, attending schools in Niceville and Wewahitchka. He graduated from Wewahitchka High School in 1967, where he played football and basketball, competed on the track team, and earned the nickname “Star” from his classmates. Following graduation, he attended Gulf Coast Junior College in Panama City, Florida. After college, Roger moved to Blakely, Georgia, where he worked for Georgia Pacific. It was there that he married the love of his life, LaVonia Jones McDaniel. They shared 54 wonderful years of marriage before her passing in 2024.

While living in Blakely, Roger began a lifelong career in the insurance profession. He accepted a position with Life of Georgia and was transferred to Albany in 1974, eventually becoming District Manager. Following his retirement from Life of Georgia, he joined Delta Life Insurance Company, where he served as District Manager in Macon, Thomasville, and Albany until his retirement in 2021. His work allowed him to travel extensively throughout his career, and he especially enjoyed traveling with his wife.

Roger made Lee County his home in 1991 and was a faithful member of Gillionville Baptist Church. He loved the outdoors and especially enjoyed dove hunting, deer hunting, golfing, and spending time at Dawson Country Club. He was an avid sports fan with a special love for college football.

In addition to his parents, Roger was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lavonia D. McDaniel; his brother, John Edward McDaniel; and his brother-in-law, Larry Fugate.

He is survived by his children, Roger “Rip” McDaniel II, Riley Trae McDaniel, and Radly Dean McDaniel (Lesley); his grandchildren, Reygan, Beckett, Allie, Piper, and Brinley; his sisters, Sandra McDaniel Causby (Joe) and Brenda McDaniel Fugate; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other extended family members who will cherish his memory.