April 19, 1956 ~ January 10, 2024
Barry McDaniel, Ph.D., a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully with his wife Kay holding his hand at Baton Rouge General on January 10, 2024. Born and raised in Pine Grove, Louisiana, to Charline and Shorty McDaniel, Barry was a pillar of strength and love within his community and family.
Barry became a Christian as a young boy and began serving as a church pianist at 8 years old. Over the next 50 years, he shared his musical talents and served as a church pianist and organist in many churches in the Baton Rouge area and Centreville, Mississippi. He was a member of Jefferson Baptist Church and dearly loved his church family.
Barry’s life was marked by an unwavering commitment to education and service. He held a Bachelor of Science in Speech Pathology/Audiology and a Master of Science in Educational Diagnostics from Baylor University, a Ph.D. in Vocational Education from Louisiana State University, and a Visual Impairment Specialist Certificate from Vanderbilt University. His passion for education led him to a distinguished career as an Educational Diagnostician at the Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired, where he was honored as the Educational Diagnostician of the Year in 2011. He was an active member of the Louisiana Educational Diagnostician Association, contributing his expertise and passion to the betterment of the educational community.
Barry’s love story with his wife, Kay, began in a Sunday School class in Baton Rouge, the very first weekend Kay moved to the city. Their bond was immediate, and their love story became a testament to their shared faith and love for family. Together, they raised two wonderful sons, Michael and Waid, who brought them immense joy and pride. Michael and Waid brought Jen and Jaina, two sweet daughters-in-law into the family. Barry was also a doting grandfather to Sydney, Chase, Taryn, Krysta, and the soon-to-be Baby Mc. (May 2024)
Barry was known for his infectious sense of humor, which brought laughter and light into every room he entered. His kindness and love were evident in his every interaction, and he left a lasting impact on everyone he met. A lifelong sports enthusiast, Barry was an ardent supporter of LSU and Baylor sports. One of Barry’s proudest accomplishments was being a member of the 1974 Oak Forest Academy State Championship basketball team!
Barry is survived by his devoted wife of 31 years, Kay Humphrey McDaniel, his sons and their spouses, Michael and Jen, Waid and Jaina, and his precious grandchildren, Sydney, Chase, Taryn, and Krysta. Barry is also survived by his sister, Rickie Sibley and her husband Bobby, and a host of other relatives and friends who will miss his humor, kindness, and love.
A visitation will be held on Friday, January 19, from 9-11 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. at Jefferson Baptist Church conducted by Senior Pastor Dr. David Goza. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Gideons International in Barry’s memory to help spread the gospel message.
As we celebrate the life of Dr. Barry McDaniel, we remember a man who loved God, his family, and LSU! He was funny, kind, and loving. His legacy of service, education, and family will continue to inspire those who knew him. His laughter will echo in our hearts and his love will forever be a part of our lives.
16 comments
Buffy Pillers
February 3, 2024 at 2:27 am
This broke my heart to pieces. Dr. Mc, Dr. Barry was my interning supervisor for my TVI internship at Lighthouse Louisiana in 2017. He took me under his wing and showed me the ropes to everything he knew. He sewed so many seeds int he children of New Orleans and bright eyed and bushy tailed young Buffy who had no idea what to do starting her first big girl job. His personality was contagious he could make you laugh connect with strangers, I would say he never met a stranger. No matter what he always made sure to call his wife (Mrs. Kay) regardless of the paperwork we had to complete or the students we had to see. I wish we had kept in contact more. But my prayers and condolences are forever there for his wife, children and grandchildren whom he loved so dearly. To Mrs. Kay may God continue to strengthen you during this time! Dr. Barry we miss you 😢 and we love you, but God loves you more!
Michele Wilson
January 19, 2024 at 2:34 pm
Kay, Michael and Waid I am so sorry for your loss. There is no way the Wilsons can separate our memories of CLA and the McDaniels. From Michael and Katie’s friendship to Waid and James’. It was such a blessing to raise our kids with like minded Christians. We have so many funny stories we still talk about today. Barry was a light everywhere he went. He will be missed. I’m sure he’s already organizing a dog party in heaven. God bless you McDaniels I’m praying for God to give you strength and courage to walk out the days ahead.
Louis Hilliard
January 18, 2024 at 7:14 pm
It was always pleasant being in the presence of Dr. Mac. He had a way of making the both students and staff of the LSVI family feel good with his humor. He will be truly missed. Prayers for Kay and and the McDaniel family.
Matt Phillips
January 17, 2024 at 4:13 am
I’m also from Pine Grove. Barry was one grade ahead of me, but we knew each other very well. I always remembered Barry’s birthday since childhood. I’m sorry that he’s left us so young. My sincere condolences to his family. He will be remembered for his nice, giving nature.
Andrew and Nancy Redmond
January 16, 2024 at 1:46 pm
Our Sunday school class has lost a delightful beacon of light. We feel the loss with Kay. What a treasure of God’s glory and we are grateful for having known our unique Barry. Kay, you are not alone. We will feel the joy of Barry’s presence with you and thank God for his numbered years. Counting on God’s promise of peace that surpasses all understanding.
Millie Lewis
January 16, 2024 at 5:15 am
Dr. Mac will be missed! Condolences to family. May his soul Rest in Peace🙏🏾❤️😇
Barbara Dixon
January 16, 2024 at 4:47 am
On November 28, 2023, Dr. McDaniel called me. It was a pleasant surprise! We related passed experiences @ LS. V. I. We laughed and brought updates of our present life. Of course he told me about his vacation with Kay, happens with his sons, daughter in laws and grand children. We promised each other to keep in touch offen in 2024.
My prayer is that God shall uplift His Family during their season of grief!
Hilda Turner
January 15, 2024 at 4:56 pm
Kay, you and your beautiful family are in my thoughts and prayers.
YBT
January 15, 2024 at 4:23 am
You will be dearly missed, my friend!
tammy travis
January 15, 2024 at 1:31 am
Oh how we loved Big Man as my Aimee would call him when she attended LSVI. He was such a sweetheart. So sorry for the great loss. Praying for yall. Aimee Travis and family.
Anna Clara Gayle
January 15, 2024 at 12:46 am
I loved Dr.Mac, as his family at LSVI called him. He was hoot & loved teasing the kids & his colleagues. He & I worked on testing for a number of years while I was a teacher at LSVI. Normally a dull task, he and I both of creative natures, had fun. He wore shirts of purple & gold in all styles daily. He adored Kay & his sons, fully, & shared many tales of you, then pics of “my grandbabies.” I am so glad to have known & worked with Dr. Mac! My heartfelt prayers for days ahead.
Delores (Madrigal) Segura
January 14, 2024 at 11:43 pm
Kay & Family,
Barry was certainly one of a kind and he will be missed by so many people. He was a fun and kind person.
Sherry Baker
January 14, 2024 at 10:00 pm
What a beautiful tribute. I’m so glad I knew him.
Carol & Ernie Heymsfield
January 14, 2024 at 9:12 pm
Barry was an exceptional man, in every sense of the word! We consider ourselves blessed to have met, known & shared laughs with him. From an earthly perspective, he left us too soon. However, we have the confidence that we will meet again at Jesus’ feet. Blessings on you, Kay & family, as you adjust to life without Barry’s effervescent presence in your midst. Our continued thoughts & prayers are with you.
Ramona Woods
January 14, 2024 at 8:49 pm
I only met Barry on one occasion, but it was a memorable meeting. From that one interaction, I had no doubt he was a fun and loving man with a bit of mischief lurking inside. My heart goes out to the entire family, especially my friend, Kay. ♥️
Lisa McDaniel Thacker
January 14, 2024 at 8:30 pm
He taught me piano when I was a little girl. Glad to know he is in Heaven with our Heavenly Father. Prayers for the family.