Barry McDaniel, Ph.D.

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.