After a 7-year battle with cancer, Gary Lee McDaniel of Southland, TX went home to be with his Lord and Savior at the age of 59 on Thursday, May 20, 2021. He was born on July 18, 1961 to Tom and Shirley McDaniel in White Sulphur Springs, Montana.
Gary began his rodeo career as a saddle bronc rider not long after high school. His successes are too many to mention. Throughout his rodeo career he reached the NFR top 20 multiple times, was a chute boss, as well as mentored and taught a new generation of saddle bronc riders. It was during his rodeo career that Gary married the love of his life, Joy Basinger, and had three amazing children, Blake McCulloch, Clint McDaniel and Haylee McDaniel Cruz. Upon marrying Joy on November 17, 1990, he moved to Texas where he raised his family and began and grew his ranching operation. Although his contestant days were behind him, he stayed active in the circuit as a pick-up man, chute boss and mentor and friend to many cowboys.
In line with his beliefs of the importance of community service, Gary served as a Garza County Commissioner from 2005 through 2016, as well as serving on the Southland ISD School Board for many years.
He was preceded in death by his father Tom McDaniel.

He is survived by his mother Shirley Pershell, brother Brad McDaniel, his wife of 30 years Joy McDaniel, daughter Blake McCulloch, son Clint McDaniel, and daughter Haylee McDaniel Cruz and husband Johnathan.
A Memorial service will be held, Wednesday, May 26, 2021 at 2:00 pm at the family property in Southland, Tx. Please feel free to attend and dress the cowboy way.
The family would like to express their gratitude to Interim Hospice of Lubbock, Patty Raney, as well as countless friends for their love and attention to his care. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund.