Gary James Mcdaniel

Gary James McDaniel was born on July 15, 2003, in Salem, Oregon to Warren and Terise (Clevenger) McDaniel. From the time Gary was a young child his innate ability to bring smiles to others was instantaneous. He loved to make others around him laugh and was a complete goofball. Gary has a close relationship with his older sister, with 3 ½ years age difference, they were always the best of friends and always got along. She would describe her little brother as the sweetest person.

Growing up in Scio, Gary immediately became involved with sports, his natural athletic ability and desire to be part of team shined. Sports came so natural to him. His favorite sports were wrestling and football. He also earned his black belt in tai-kwon-do and throughout school and sports, made numerous friends over the years.

Everyone loved Gary and Gary loved everyone he met. His circle of friends he had known since preschool. When not playing sports, he often would go fishing or 4 wheeling. He enjoyed going wheeling in the mountains and riding in the dunes. Most recently, Gary started to learn how to play golf and was eager to try his hand at something new. When it came to sports, he was completely fearless, which also led to many fractures, breaks and bruises- but no injury ever stopped him from his passion.

In July of 2021, Gary was hired by an excavation company and even though he was only 18 they hired him because of his incredible work ethic. He would work faithfully in Newport from Monday to Thursday and be home with his family the rest of the week. It was not uncommon as his days off approached, he would call his family members and ask where family was going to get together. When he wasn’t with family, he was surrounded by his friends. Gary loved his family so much and spending quality time with them meant the world to him. He also loved his dog, Gus who was his faithful companion and over the years Gary had a big heart for animals.

On February 19, 2022, Gary left this world far too early and left many broken hearts. He is survived by his parents, Warren and Terise McDaniel; sister, Rheanna McDaniel and his brother, Devin Unrau; grandparents, Gary and Denise Clevenger; grandma, Janet McDaniel; aunts and uncles, Randy and Jamie McDaniel, Darrell and Gretchen McDaniel, Tom and Tina McDaniel, Jack Clevenger, Terry and Sarah Ferebee, Ryan and Karolin Bonyad, in addition to many cousins, extended family and friends.

A service will be held on Saturday, March 5, 2022, at Scio Baptist Church at 1:00 PM.