John Mack Daniels, 87, of Carlisle, a U.S. Navy Veteran went home to be with his Lord, Tuesday, August 10, 2021. Born February 8, 1934 in Lonoke County’s Hamilton community, Mack was the 4th child of the late JC “Doc” and Ethel Daniels.
Mack was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Dan Daniels of North Little Rock and Jack Daniels of Sherwood; three sisters, Marilyn Parker and Bonita Huey of Carlisle and Kay Hill of Sherwood. Also, “the best dog I ever had” was his beloved Grizzly.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Kathy Daniels; two sons, Clint Daniels (wife-Cathy) of Rosemark, Tennessee and Wess Daniels (wife- Katherine) of Benton; four grandchildren, Garrett Daniels of Antioch, Tennessee, Caroline Henderson of San Antonio, Texas, Hayden Smith and Grace Daniels of Benton and one great-granddaughter, Harper Henderson of San Antonio, Texas, and a dog, Poco.
A graduate from Carlisle High School, he served in the Navy, trained as a machinist, acquired a diesel mechanic degree from Oklahoma State Tech, and became an oil rig driver in New Mexico and Colorado. He then bought a service station in North Little Rock on Broadway as the local mechanic. Later, Mack worked for Jacuzzi and then Remington as a machinist, with his last job being a rural mail carrier in Carlisle for 18 years.
Mack retired but continued to be busy with his favorite hobbies fishing, hunting, estate sales, and anything sports. Self-proclaimed “jack of all trades, but master of none,” hardly ever a day went by when he wasn’t busy in his shop where you would find him working on projects or creating space for newfound treasures. In addition, he was a talented craftsman, known regionally as an accomplished duck call maker, using skills and a craftsman’s eye to turn working pieces of art. Today his work is on display in the Museum of the Arkansas Grand Prairie under the name Two Prairie Bayou, a nod to his childhood farm.
Mack loved spending time with his family and friends. He filled his days playing golf with his brothers, talking sports with his sons, and playing numerous rounds of Chickenfoot or Pitch. In addition, he was proud to have hosted the 4th of July party where everyone was welcome for 27 years.
Visitation will be Friday, August 13, 2021 from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M., at Westbrook Funeral Home in Hazen. Services will be 10:00 A.M., Saturday, August 14 at the Hamilton Baptist Church South of Carlisle. Interment will be in the Hamilton Cemetery.
Kathy and family, I extend to you my sincere sympathy. I enjoyed the many years I worked with Mack at the Post Office in Carlisle. I especially remember the times Dan and I would razz him about his favorite country singer, George Jones. May love and peace be with all of you. Becky Brewer-Lewis
As a remarkable man with many talents, Mack left a cherished legacy that will be well remembered. As a fellow rural mail carrier, I appreciated Mack’s dedication for faithfully serving his postal customers for many years. Our thoughts and prayers continue for his family. May God’s Word and His Holy Spirit (the “Comforter”) provide strength, comfort, and assurance. Billy Booth
I just can not adjust to Mack being dead. We graduated together May 1953 and have off & on talked to each other on the phone ever since. He did a fantastic job of searching and gathering facts about our family tree. His dad and my mother were first cousins so that has made Mack and me cousins as well as special classmate friends. Kathy, you along with Clint and Wess and their families will be in my thoughts as you try to adjust your daily lives without Mack. I am so sorry and sent sympathy to all of you.
Thank you Mack for the memories Mack. You were a solid man. God blessed all who met you. Again, thank you for the memories and rest in peace my friend. We will miss you.