OZARK…Mr. Jamie McDaniel, a resident of Ozark, died Wednesday, November 19, 2025, in a Dothan hospital. He was 60.
Celebration of Life Services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, December 21, 2025, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Lee Windham officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Sunday at the funeral home. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Jamie was born on December 20, 1964, in the small town of Paris, Illinois. It was there that he grew up, made lifelong friends, and graduated from high school, carrying with him the values of hard work and community that shaped the rest of his life. Driven by a desire to protect and care for others, Jamie went on to earn a degree in Safety Management from Columbia University—a field that perfectly matched his dedication to keeping people safe and looking out for their well-being.
Over the years, Jamie’s journey took him to many places. He lived for a time in Plantation, Florida, where he built memories with his family, before eventually settling in Ozark in 2023. No matter where life led him, Jamie carried with him a sense of loyalty, kindness, and a strong work ethic. He was proud to serve as a safety manager with Core Safety in Miami, Florida, where his colleagues admired not only his professionalism but also his genuine care for the people around him.
Family was at the center of Jamie’s world. He loved spending time with his children, whether it was cheering on a baseball game or practicing karate moves with his sons. He shared special moments with his wife at the shooting range, where their time together was filled with laughter and companionship. At home, Jamie found joy in caring for his animals, who were as much a part of the family as anyone else. His happiest times were the simple ones—being surrounded by those he loved, sharing stories, and creating memories that will live on in their hearts.
Jamie’s life was also marked by service to his country. As a veteran of the United States Navy, he carried with him a deep sense of honor and pride. His time in the Navy shaped him into the man he became—disciplined, courageous, and always ready to put others before himself.
Those who knew Jamie will remember him not only for his accomplishments but for the way he lived—with warmth, devotion, and a steady presence that made people feel safe and cared for. His legacy is one of love, service, and family, and his memory will continue to inspire everyone fortunate enough to have known him. He was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Mark Gilbert; step-father, Gene Ray.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Christy Gilbert McDaniel, Ozark; two sons, Matthew Mark McDaniel and Luke John McDaniel, both of Ozark; daughter, Conner Esbjoern (Andrew), West Lafayette, Indiana;; father, Homer “Fuzzy” McDaniel, and mother, June Ray, all of Paris, Illinois; brother, John Scott McDaniel (Lisa), Charleston, Illinois; grandchildren, Henrik Esbjoern, Alex Cebulla and Anna Lisa Cebulla; niece, Kerdiwen McDaniel and nephew, Ian McDaniel; mother-in-law, Faye Willingham (David), Dothan; father-in-law, Ronald Gilbert (Carolyn), Skipperville; sister-in-law, Shannon Gilbert, Ozark.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
