Larry “Duke” McDaniel transitioned into Heaven from this earth on Monday, October 11, 2021 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He was 70 years old and had battled cancer for the last three years. He was known by most as Duke or Coach Mac. His reputation around his hometown was one of a tough but fair coach. He was an avid fan of football and baseball. He could discuss sports, favorite movies and would listen endlessly to his favorite band, Grand Funk Railroad.
Larry attended Greenwood Schools before studying and playing baseball at Westark for two years. He then transferred to the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, playing baseball for the Razorbacks. He was a graduate assistant to Coach Norm DeBriyn’s baseball program from 1974 – 1975. His first job was as a science teacher 1976 – 1977 at Terrell, Texas. From 1977 – 1983, he coached and taught in Greenwood High School. In 1983 his high school baseball team had a record of 25 wins. In 1983 he changed careers to become a pharmaceutical rep for Wyeth Pharmaceuticals. He won many sales awards, finishing number two in the nation in sales.
He was the proud father of Travis, Trent and Lindsay, grandfather to Madison Lively and Jude Barker, children of Lindsay and Josh Leftwich. Larry was born to Ramona and Lee McDaniel, residents of Greenwood, Arkansas. He had a sister, Jeanne and husband, Tom Hacker and a niece, Kim Rodrigues and a nephew, Chris Hacker.
Memorial service will be 1 p.m., Friday, October 15 at Greenwood First Baptist Church. Visitation with the family will follow the service. Cremation is under the direction of McConnell Funeral Home of Greenwood.
To sign an online guestbook, please visit www.mcconnellfh.com.
