Mr Jay McDaniel, age 89, of DeFuniak Springs, died Friday, Feb 26, 1999.  He was born in Walton County at Limestone Community on March 18, 1909.  He was a lifelong resident of Walton County.  He graduated from Walton High School in 1933.  He obtained his Bachelor's degree from Troy State University and Master's degree from Florida State University.  He was Baptist by faith and a member of the First Baptist Church in DeFuniak Springs.

His career was in education.  He served as principal of elementary, junior and high schools for a period of 34 years.  He also held administrative position in the office of the Walton County School Superintendent for ten years.  In addition to his career in education, he served as a member of the DeFuniak Springs City Council for 12 years.  He also served as chairman of the Walton County Democratic Committee since 1985.  He served as Treasurer of the Walton County Council on Aging.  He was a member of Masonic Lodge #106 in Gaskin, Florida and the DeFuniak Springs Kiwanis Club and served as Walton County Fair manager from 1977 to the present.

On Oct 15, 1937, Jay and Allie Mae Carroll were married.  They have been married for 62 years.  They have two sons - James McDaniel and his wife Georgia Lee, who have three children --Raymond, Amanda Mae and James Davis; Charles McDaniel and wife Pat who have two children - Steve and Dalia of Leander, Texas.  Five great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild also survive, along with numerous nieces and nephews.  Very special nephew and friend Gerald Wilkerson; brothers-in-law Mike and Tommy Carroll and their wives.

Funeral services were held Monday, March 1 at the First Baptist Church.

SOURCE:  Holmes County Advertiser, 3 March 1999, Page 21