William 'Bill' Ray McDaniel, Sr., Longtime Wellsburg Resident, Dies at 76

McDaniel, a Navy veteran and pastor, is remembered for his dedication to his family and faith.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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William 'Bill' Ray McDaniel, Sr., a longtime resident of Wellsburg, West Virginia, passed away on February 15, 2026, at the age of 76. McDaniel, who served in the U.S. Navy and later worked at Wheeling Steel and as a pastor, is survived by his wife Maggie and several children and grandchildren.

Why it matters

McDaniel's life story reflects the experiences of many in the Wellsburg community, where he lived for decades and was active in the local church. His passing marks the end of an era for a family deeply rooted in the area.

The details

McDaniel was born in Wheeling, West Virginia in 1946 and grew up in Wellsburg, where he attended Wellsburg High School. After serving in the Navy, he worked a variety of jobs, including at Wheeling Steel and in the coal mines, before becoming a pastor at a Nazarene church, a role he held for the last 24 years of his life. McDaniel was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, two daughters, and a granddaughter, but is survived by his wife of 32 years, four children, ten grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

McDaniel was born on August 11, 1946.
He passed away on February 15, 2026.

The players