Murfreesboro Funeral Home

12/15/2025

12/13/2025

Donald Kenneth McDaniel
October 1953 – December 2025
Celebrating the Life and Legacy of a Beloved Husband, Father, Friend, and Coach

Donald (“Don”) Kenneth McDaniel, age 72, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on December 1st, 2025. He was the beloved and devoted husband of Susan Elizabeth (Reed) McDaniel, sharing 41 glorious years of marriage filled with love, faith, and adventure.
Born in Birmingham, Alabama, on October 29th, 1953, Don was the son of Kenneth and Joyce McDaniel. He graduated from Tennessee Tech University, where he played football and earned his bachelor’s degree in education. Driven by his passion for the game, Don pursued his football dreams in the NFL as a linebacker for the Miami Dolphins. Following his career in the NFL, Don built a successful career in the freight logistics industry, serving as an executive-level manager and owner.
Don was a faithful follower of Christ and had many church families across the country. He was anchored in his faith, and he raised his family to share his love for the Lord. A man of many passions, Don enjoyed spending time with his horses, fishing, and relaxing at the beach. One could say he was half cowboy, half beach boy. Don was a captivating storyteller and showman. He delighted in utilizing these skills often in the entertainment of his children and grandchildren and spreading his love for the Lord.
Don is survived by his wife, Susan, and their six children: son, Derek Arciniaga; son, Christian “Spike” (Kimberly) McDaniel and their children: Ryan, Maia, Maverick, Christian, and Bennett; daughter, Jacqui (RJ) Pierce and their children: Addison, Hayes, and Reed; daughter, Megan (Orion) Smith and their children: Gabriel, Jonah, Shiloh, Micah, Levi, Joel Capri, and Elizabeth Lee; daughter, Elizabeth (Anthony) Huspen and their children: Kedan, Harper, and Elleana; daughter, Meredith (Jeremy) Murdock and their children: Morgan, Tristan, and Collins.
Don is also survived by his brother, Bill (Martha) McDaniel; his sister, Patricia Behne; and many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Joyce McDaniel, and his sister, Susan Bishop.
Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life for Don at New Vision Baptist Church on December 20th, 2025, at 11:00 AM. Visitation will follow from 12:30 to 2:00 PM.
In his last act of generosity and hope for future generations, Don’s final gift to the world was a donation of himself to the Boston University CTE Center for research. Those wishing to honor his memory are invited to make donations in memoriam, or in lieu of flowers, to the BU CTE Brain Bank and Neuropathology Fund using the link below:
https://bit.ly/bu_cte

Don’s legacy of faith, kindness, strength, and love lives on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who were blessed to know him.

12/13/2025

With over 150 positions available, do you know what jobs exist in the U.S. National Guard? Since today is the National Guard’s birthday, research some fun facts about this unique branch of the U.S. military. And take a moment today to thank a service member who serves or served in the National Guard!

12/12/2025

During the holiday season, grief can make you feel isolated and alone. Giving back and volunteering can be a welcome break to the ups and downs of grief and give you something positive to look forward to amidst the holiday happenings. Check out this article for ideas on how to get involved, give back, and balance your grief with joy this Christmas! cutt.ly/giving-back-during-holidays

12/10/2025

Christmas in June may sound out of the ordinary, but not for Kasey Zachmann! Discover how a loving community came together to support a girl with a terminal diagnosis.

“There are really no words to describe how incredible everyone is.”

12/07/2025

On this day, we pause to reflect on the sacrifices made and the resilience shown by so many men and women on December 7, 1941. We will never forget you!

12/05/2025

Have you ever needed to plan a funeral but didn’t know where to start? This article shares some great resources and ideas for planning a personalized and meaningful funeral.

Would you feel more comfortable if you had a guide to planning a funeral? This article full of helpful resources and information can help!

12/03/2025

If you love a warm, flaky treat, consider trying puff pastry! Check out the article below for four, puff pastry recipes that you can bring to your next holiday gathering. cutt.ly/recipes-to-make-in-december

12/01/2025

Patricia Jeane Marr Anderson, age 84 Murfreesboro. TN passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 29, 2025.

She was born April 7, 1941, in Erie, PA. to the late Verne and Helen Hanst Marr.

She is also preceded in death by her husband, Edward George Anderson; stepbrother, Frank L Brown; and Arlene Sloan.

She is survived by her daughter, Sherri Lynn (Jerry) Coudriet; stepdaughters, Connie Carter; Cynthia Anderson; Kay Anderson; Christina Russell; Crystal Anderson; sisters, Lynn Ann Graham; Pam Misel; brothers, Charles W. Brown; and Richard R. Brown.

Visitation with the family will be held on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, from 10am – 1pm at Gethsemane Apostolic House of Prayers. Services will follow at 1pm with Pastor Kenneth Hale officiating. Interment will be at Willow Mount Cemetery in Shelbyville, TN.

11/28/2025

The first year of the grief journey is difficult. It’s particularly hard to face the first time a special day passes, like a birthday or holiday. In this article, you will learn some ideas for navigating the “firsts” you will encounter on your path to healing. Click to learn more!

If this is your first year without a loved one, take a few moments to consider ways to navigate the "firsts" you will experience throughout this year.