RALEIGH – Too soon, Dr. Roger Lanier McDaniel, Jr., 59, unexpectedly departed this life on May 11, 2012, leaving behind his wife and best friend Debbie; son, Jonathan; daughter, Brenda; brothers, Jesse (wife Beverly) and Rob of Raleigh; mother-in-law and brother-in-law, Dorothy and Michael Nearing; as well as many aunts and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents, Roger L. McDaniel, Sr. and Ruth Belch McDaniel.

A native of Woodland in Northampton County, Dr. McDaniel was a graduate of Campbell College where he earned a B.S. degree in Chemistry which he augmented with a doctoral degree in Chemistry from North Carolina State University. A second Bachelor’s degree earned from NCSU in Economics and other studies over the years rounded out his formal education.

Dr. McDaniel was a Certified Public Manager and was self-taught in numerous fields that interested him. He worked for more than 20 years with the North Carolina Division of Public Health and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture.

Devoted to all in his family, he was frequently called upon to assist them with various problems that required the patience and skill of an engineer for solution and he always fixed the problem or found the answer.

He gave generously to the cause of freedom by serving in the US Army Reserves for more than 20 years, most recently as a Lt. Colonel in the 352nd Civil Affairs Command. His service included two tours in Iraq which resulted in his being awarded the Bronze Star medal on three separate occasions and a Meritorious Honor Award.

He had a lifelong involvement with the Boy Scouts, including many years as an Adult Leader with Troop 398.

Funeral services will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church in Raleigh at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, May 15. Graveside services will be Wednesday, May 16 at 11 a.m. at Cedar Lawn Cemetery in Rich Square.

The family will be hosting a visitation on Monday evening from 6 – 8 p.m. at Bryan Lee Funeral Home, 831 Wake Forest Road, Raleigh.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, 824 North Bloodworth Street, Raleigh, NC 24604 or to The Boy Scouts of America, P.O. Box 41229, Raleigh, NC 27629. Condolences may be made to www.bryan-leefuneral home.com