Daniel McGhaney Sr.

On Friday evening, Nov. 22, 2013, at 8:30 p.m., the earthly journey of Daniel McGhaney Sr. ended in the privacy of his home.

Born Sept. 28, 1917, in Sumter, he was a son of the late Robert and Lillie White McGhaney. He was first married to the late Geraldine Campbell. After her death, he later married the late Geneva Peters. Mr. McGhaney was a lifelong member of Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church, where he served as a trustee and the church sexton for many years.

He was a self-educated man, who with little formal education, taught himself to read, write, draw architectural designs, read blue prints, and construct buildings. He took pride in being one of the first black licensed building contractors in Sumter County. He was the owner of McGhaney and Son Building Contractors. As an entrepreneur, he owned a neighborhood convenience store and a service station for many years. He also farmed and owned livestock in the past.

Precious memories will be cherished by his two sons, the Rev. Daniel (Eartha) McGhaney Jr. and Earnell (Judy) McGhaney, both of Sumter; one daughter, Ophelia Ann (Raymond) Morrison of Hollywood, Fla.; a special grandson, Cedric Tomlin, whom he reared; a special niece, Ruth Blanding of Sumter; eight other grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends who are deeply grieved by his passing.

He was preceded in death by four brothers, Benjamin, Bernell, James and Robert; and five sisters, Agnes, Cora, Marie, Martha and Sarah.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Bradford Cemetery, Sumter, with Pastor Daryl F. McGhaney, presiding, assisted by the Rev. James Stukes and the Rev. Leroy Commander.

The funeral cortege will leave at 10:25 a.m. from the home.

The family is receiving visitors at the home, 34 E. Patricia Drive, Sumter, SC 29150.

The management and staff of Sumter Funeral Service Inc., 623 Manning Ave., Sumter, is serving the McGhaney family.

Online condolences may be sent to the family via sumterfuneralsvs@sc.rr.com.