NATCHEZ —When Jerry McDaniel, 78, died, he left behind a legacy of protection and dedication.

The Natchez native, who served more than 40 years as a fireman and police officer, died on Tuesday at Merit Health Natchez.

McDaniel began his career protecting Adams County in 1956 when he joined the Natchez Fire Department. He served for 20 years, retiring as chief of the Fire Prevention Bureau.

Afterwards, he joined the Adams County Sheriff’s Office and stayed for 23 years, retiring as chief deputy.

“He believed in protecting life and property, which both of those do,” Norma McDaniel, his wife, said.

During his time at the sheriff’s office, Jerry McDaniel served under Sheriff Billy Ferrell and, later, his son, Sheriff Tommy Ferrell.

“I’ve known him probably most all my adult life,” Tommy Ferrell said.

Ferrell was also McDaniel’s patrol partner at one time.

“He watched my back and I watched his,” Ferrell said.

McDaniel was known for his strong love of his family.

“He was very much a family man,” Norma McDaniel said. “He loved his family, would do anything for them to help them in need.”

And, even on patrol his sister, Margaret Harveston, said he never forgot them. Harveston said he would leave little sticky notes on his mother’s, and sometimes her, door with a comment and the time.

It was all to let them know he was checking in on them.

“He was very kind-hearted,” Harveston said.

During his time as a deputy sheriff, McDaniel also worked with current Adams County Sheriff Chuck Mayfield.

“He was just an all-around nice guy,” Mayfield said. “Just one of those people you can’t help but like.”

McDaniel was also strong in his community. He conceived the idea of a junior deputy program for the area and worked hard to put it in motion.

“When he first approached the idea we tried to obtain grants which were not possible at the time,” Ferrell said.

Ferrell said McDaniel then insisted volunteers should run the program. His hard work paid off, and Ferrell said the program had more than 400 children involved at one point.

Sam King, circulation director for The Natchez Democrat and a line deputy at the Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office, was one of McDaniel’s junior deputies.

“I thought the world of him. He was always had a deep, baritone-type voice and you could hear the sincerity in his heart,” King said. “Law enforcement is something I always wanted to do and he allowed me that opportunity. He was just a great, all-around guy.”

McDaniel also coached little league for many years, which tied in with his strong love of baseball. Harveston said he loved watching as many Adams County Christian School baseball games as he could.

But McDaniel also loved travelling, politics, dominoes and working at home in his shop.

“He was a swell guy. He really was,” Harveston said. “We’re going to sadly miss him. I already miss him.”

Visitation will be today from 5-8 p.m. at Laird Funeral Home, and again on Saturday from 10 a.m. until service time at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.

Burial will follow at the Natchez City Cemetery.