Ronald “Ray” McDaniel of Wilfred, In and Franklin, OH passed into eternal life on July 16, 2026 at Union Hospital in Terre Haute, after a 5 year battle with multiple myeloma and its complications. Ray grew up in Farmersburg, IN and had moved to Franklin, Ohio to continue his work for Pfizer Pharmaceuticals production in 2010. He retired from Pfizer in 2020 and remained in Franklin after being diagnosed with cancer in 2021. He has a wonderful team of healthcare providers there and was very active in his own treatment plans, often researching new medications coming on the market. In May 2026 he ran out of cancer treatment options and moved back to Wilfred, to be close to family who helped in his care.

Ray loved to go to thrift stores to hunt for bargains and he usually found them! He also loved to eat at his favorite Ohio restaurants and knew all the daily specials. During the summer he

often shared the produce from his personal garden with friends, and neighbors. His doctors’ office staff were always thrilled to see Ray bring in his garden harvest to share with them. But the highlight of his year was coming back to Indiana and hunting for morel mushrooms with his buddies.

Ray as he was known by many was born on September 19, 1963 along with his twin brother Jay, to Meryl “Bub” and Phyllis (Kiser) McDaniel. Their birth was a surprise to all involved, even the obstetrician! No ultrasounds in those days. Beloved neighbors went door to door in their neighborhood to announce “Phyllis had twins”.

Ray was preceded in death by his father, Meryl McDaniel and his grandparents, Chester and Juanita McDaniel and Orval “Cobby” and Reba Kiser. He is survived by his mother , Phyllis (Jim) Bishop, brother, Jay McDaniel, Indianapolis, sister, Karla (Bob) Knoop, Farmersburg, one niece, Jamie Knoop, Los Angeles, California and one nephew, Joseph Knoop, Albany, California, Aunt and Uncle, Rita and Larry McDaniel, Galatia, IL, Uncle, Charles McDaniel, Sun City, AZ, Step siblings, Becky, Bill, Lisa, Katricia and Timberly, and many cousins.

A time of gathering for family and friends will be on Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at Holmes Memorial Chapel from 4:00pm until 8:00pm. Services will be on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 11:00 am. with Ministers, Jeff Blansett and Norman Santus officiating. Burial will follow at Westlawn Cemetery in Farmersburg, In.

The family request that in lieu of flowers that a memorial donation be made in Ray's name, for cancer research. Envelopes will be available at the visitation and service.