Adam Oliver McDaniel, 47, of Gilmer, Texas, passed away on September 17, 2026, surrounded by the family who loved him deeply.

Adam was born in Gilmer, Texas, to Dr. Randy and Jill McDaniel. He attended the University of Texas for his undergraduate education and went on to earn his medical degree from Nova Southeastern University. He built his career in internal medicine and primary care, dedicating himself to caring for the people of his community. Being a physician was more than a profession to Adam; caring for others was simply part of who he was.

On May 27, 2012, Adam married Jennifer, and together they built a life and family centered around their two children, Cole, 10, and Alexandra, 5. Of all the roles Adam held throughout his life, being their dad was among the ones he treasured most.

Adam was the bright light in every room—smart, funny, caring, and, as Jennifer would happily tell you, so handsome. He loved the University of Texas Longhorns, Sundays spent by the pool, telling dad jokes, and making the people around him laugh. He had a warmth and presence that drew people to him, and he gave generously of himself to his family, his friends, his patients, and his community.

For more than two and a half years, Adam bravely fought cholangiocarcinoma. He faced an extraordinarily difficult illness with courage and perseverance, but cancer was only a small part of Adam’s story. His life is better measured by the people he loved, the patients he cared for, the laughter he created, and the countless lives made brighter simply because he was in them.

Adam is survived by his wife, Jennifer; his children, Cole and Alexandra McDaniel; his parents, Dr. Randy and Jill McDaniel; his sister, Anna Conlan, and brother-in-law, Pat Conlan; nephews William and Austin Blakeley; as well as extended family, friends, colleagues, and a community that will miss him profoundly.

Visitation will be held at Croley Funeral Home Chapel on Sunday, September 20, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00. A funeral service celebrating Adam’s life will be held Monday, September 21, 2026, at 10:00, at First Baptist Church in Gilmer, Texas. Interment to follow at Sunset Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Adam’s memory to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation. https://www.cholangiocarcinoma.org/donate/

Adam was deeply loved. He will be remembered for his intelligence, his humor, his kindness, his devotion to his family and patients, and the unmistakable light he brought into the lives of those fortunate enough to know him. That light will continue in Cole and Alexandra and in all those who carry a piece of Adam with them.