CROWLEY, La — Billy E. McDaniel, “Mr. Billy” affectionately known as “Billy Mac,” surrendered to his battle with cancer on Nov. 2, 2010, surrounded by his family at his home.

He was born to the late Robert and Lena McDaniel on April 16, 1948, in Vicksburg. He attended St. Aloysius for elementary and high school where he graduated with honors. He was employed by Illinois Central Gulf Railroad as a locomotive engineer for 20 years. From there he fulfilled his dream of preservation and restoration of antebellum homes and furniture through his company, M&A Construction.

Mr. Billy had a true love for children and inspiring the youth. He relocated to Crowley, La., in 2001 to be closer to his daughters and grandchildren. He was granted the position of facility manager at St Michael Catholic School. It was truly at this position that his life and faith were taken to a higher level. The legacy of his “smile,” “hugs” and loving personality touched many hearts. He loved, as he put it, his “St. Michael’s family and his babies”; his memory with them will live on forever.

Billy Mac was an active member in Alcoholics Anonymous where he held the positions of chairman of Third St. Park Group, general service representative and district committee member of the district assembly. He was also the founder of meetings held at the Welcome House, the Wellness Center and Compass Behavioral Health. He practiced living life “one day at a time” with “God’s grace.”

Mr. Billy was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Lena McDaniel; and his brothers, Robert Jr. and Ronnie McDaniel.

He is survived by his daughters, Michelle McDaniel Owens and her husband, Kelly, of Crowley and Angela McDaniel Smith and her husband, Scott, of Morgan City, La.; the mother of his children who remained his close friend even to his death, Dianna V. McDaniel of Vicksburg; his sister, Margie McDaniel of Minnesota; and his companion and friend, Sandra Guidry of Crowley. He leaves his love not only to his girls but also to “Pop Pop’s little angels,” Jordan McDaniel Owens, Brookelyn Nicole Owens, Grant Finley Owens, Peyton Scott Smith, Austin Lishman Smith and Morgan Rivers Smith.

Mr. Billy believed in celebrating life on a daily basis; his celebration will be continued throughout his death. A rosary will be said in his honor on Friday, Nov. 5, at 1:30 p.m. at St. Michael Catholic School followed by a celebration Mass on Saturday, Nov. 6, at 1 p.m. at St. Michael Catholic Church, Crowley, with the Revs. Gary Schexnayder and James Brady officiating. The family invites all friends to attend both services. A celebration of his life will be hosted by his daughters on Saturday following the Mass at the home of Kelly and Michelle Owens, 423 East 5th, Crowley.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to St. Michael Catholic School, 805 E. Northern Ave., Crowley, LA 70526 for a scholarship fund to be set up in Mr. Billy’s name.

The family wishes to thank Drs. Rogers, Weir, Katira, Vincent, Mahoney and Brierre, Acadian Home Care of Acadia Parish, Heart of Hospice, and St. Michael School and our many friends for their love and support during this difficult time.

Words of comfort may be sent to the family at www.geesey-ferguson.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home, 301 North Ave. F, Crowley, LA 70526, 337-783-3313.