Whetsell Evans McDaniel

Orangeburg, SC

Whetsell Evans McDaniel of Orangeburg, SC, died at Greenville Memorial Hospital on Tuesday, January 20, 2015, following complications related to esophageal cancer. He was 72.

Mr. McDaniel, son of the late Ernest W. and Bertie D. McDaniel, was born in Laurens, SC. He graduated from Newberry College with a BA degree in Pipe Organ Performance, received his Masters degree in Sacred Music from Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio, and continued post graduate studies at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. A gifted musician, he began his career as church organist at the age of 15, and at the time of his death was organist at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Columbia, SC. He served churches in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Florida and was a member of the American Guild of Organists. He was formerly a member of the Palmetto Mastersingers of Columbia, performing with them for many years. He traveled with the group to Europe where they performed The Messiah in various cathedrals throughout Spain for ten days. As a member of the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Orangeburg, he faithfully served as Acolyte for the Wednesday Priesthood Eucharist for twenty-two years.

In addition to his musical career, Mr. McDaniel was broker-in-charge of The McDaniel Company, a United Country franchise in Orangeburg. He was especially interested in historic homes and displayed a remarkable memory for genealogical and historical facts. He was a member of the South Carolina and National Association of Realtors and served as president of the Orangeburg Board of Realtors. He was a long time member of The Kiwanis Club. Mr. McDaniel was also a licensed funeral director, and as such, was affiliated with Dukes-Harley Funeral Home in Orangeburg for 41 years. He held membership in the South Carolina and National Funeral Directors Associations.

Mr. McDaniel is survived by a sister, Tina M. Faris and her husband, Henry, of Greenville; also a niece, Janet F. Harrison, her husband Josh, and their children, Miles and Mary Caroline of Atlanta, GA. He was predeceased by his nephew, Henry "Hank" Faris, DMD, but is survived by Hank’s family: Lisa Manning Faris and their three daughters Anne Marie, Kate, and Elizabeth Miles of Greenville.

Those who knew Whetsell McDaniel will remember him as a man of integrity with unfaltering dedication to his church and profession. His was a life well lived. To God be the glory!

Services will be held Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015, at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, Orangeburg, beginning at 11:00 a.m. with visitation to follow in the Parish Hall. Officiating will be The Very Reverend John Burwell of Charleston assisted by The Reverend Dr. Tony Metze of Columbia. A graveside service will follow at Laurens City Cemetery at 4:00 PM. led by The Reverend Dr. Frank Larisey and The Reverend Dr. Tony Metz.

Memorials may be made to the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, 1606 Russell St., Orangeburg, SC, 29115 or St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 1715 Bull Street, Columbia, SC, 29201.

Online Condolences: Dukes-Harley Funeral Home