Robert A (Bob) McDaniel

Robert A. (Bob) McDaniel, 88, retired Fire Chief, Camp Robinson Fire Department, who was an almost 30 year new comer to Hattieville, Arkansas, coming after his 33 plus years of residence on Camp J T Robinson, departed us on June 3rd, 2011 to spend his time in heaven with Ruth, his wife of 63 years. Bob was born October 14, 1922 in Atoka, Tennessee to Ralph and Annie McDaniel. His family eventually moved to Arkansas and then on the 2nd of November 1940 while still a high school student, he joined Battery D 206th Coast Artillery (Anti Aircraft), Arkansas National Guard in Russellville, and was activated on the 23rd of December 1940, going forward to serve in the Aleutian Islands Campaign during World War II. After the war he returned to Pottsville where he met Ruth and got married in 1947, all the while he performed several jobs until a former commander called him to work at Camp Robinson. On November 15, 1951, he moved his wife and family of three young sons, Joe David, Robert Larry, and Charles Paul to Camp Robinson. In 1955 a surprise came along, in the form of a daughter, Roberta Ann (Robin), who became the twinkle in his eye and completed his family. He would remain at Camp for over 33 years, retiring as the Chief of Fire and Security in March of 1985. He served consistently as an elder in his church, Pottsville Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, ending his service with the designation as Ruling Elder. While B-Bob has left to join Nana, who just left us recently on May the 2nd, he leaves behind not only his children David, Larry, Paul and Robin, but also three grandchildren Bob McDaniel and wife Gina from Little Rock, Jeff Tucker and wife Kay from Shreveport, and Stephanie Belcher and husband, Shane. He also leaves too early to completely enjoy seven great-grandkids, Aaron, Alissa, Zachary, Mason & Logan (the twins), Matthew, and Sara. Bob also leaves behind his brothers, Ralph and Calvin and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, not to mention so many friends throughout the years because as Nana would say "your father has never met a stranger". As Bob walked the path God provided he would gain additional loved ones in his life and we would be remiss if we failed to mention his extra baby brother Jim Oates and baby sister Judy Oates Allbright, and then later in life extra daughters Sharon McDaniel of Little Rock and Sandra Hayley of Hattieville who will miss him greatly. At this time Bob and Ruth are in a reunion with their mothers and fathers, and his brother Denver and all those others who got to heaven before them. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 12 at North Little Rock Funeral Home, the funeral will be conducted at 10 a.m. June 13th in the Camp Robinson Chapel with burial following at the Arkansas State Veteran's cemetery. Arrangements by North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., 758-1170. Online obituary and guest registry at www.nlrfh.com.