CULLMAN, Ala. – Local businessman Danny McAfee, of Cullman Cabinet & Supply Company, was laid to rest this month. McAfee was remembered as a community leader and visionary who championed Cullman’s growth and development.
McAfee held seats on numerous community boards, including the Cullman Regional Foundation Board, assisting in the fundraising for the new expansion; Downtown Design and Review Board; City Architectural Review Committee; Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce Board, in 2015 receiving the organization’s Emma Marie Eddleman Citizenship Award; the Cullman Farmer’s Market Board; and lastly, the Cullman Industrial Development Board.
Strengthening Cullman’s economy and cultivating an inviting environment were some of McAfee’s goals, but when inspecting the legacy he left behind, it was his impact as a person, a friend, a father and a mentor that causes the sting of loss to burn brighter.
“Danny was a true friend. We’ve all seen what he’s done through the articles that have been written, and that’s fantastic. But the best part of Danny is what hasn’t been printed so far: Danny is the best example of a strong, Christian man,” said McGriff Tire Co. President Barry McGriff, who is described by many as McAfee’s closest friend. “He believed in God and had such strong faith.”
Acquaintances and friends alike recall McAfee as a true Godly man, one who searched for ways to improve others’ lives, never requesting recognition in return.
Cullman Regional Foundation Executive Director Maria Stanford described her late mentor as “a truly Godly man, living out the fruits of the spirit every day.” Stanford fondly remembered McAfee turning down her nomination for Cullman Farm-City’s annual City Family Award, which is given to individuals or families that foster a strong sense of community and strive to improve Cullman and make a tangible difference in the lives of locals. “After he found out I had nominated him, he called me and asked me to rescind my nomination of him,” Stanford recalled. “He said there were more deserving people that could get it.”
Cullman Economic Development Agency Director Dale Greer said of McAfee, “I had the pleasure of working with Mr. McAfee many times over the years from my role in economic development and his position as an industry leader. I always found him to be a thoughtful, humble man keenly interested in helping people and his community.”
Helping his community, indeed. McAfee has been described as a quiet craftsman who loved his family, his community and God. He often hosted prayer groups and prayed over the country and community leaders, praying for clarity and empathy for others. Always a sounding board, but never one to be overly loud about his convictions, McAfee preferred to show his devotion with acts instead of spoken words.
Werner’s Trading Company’s Rob Werner, one of McAfee’s high school friends and basketball teammates, recalled the spiritual side of their relationship. Traveling together with their wives, the men always found time to pray. Werner shared, “We have been praying together for years and God has blessed us. We were both thankful for His blessings. The last few years, we prayed for us to finish life well and Danny finished well, indeed.”
The loss of Danny McAfee will be felt by the community for years, a hole that is too big to be filled completely. The Cullman community thrives because of his efforts, many of his quests and endeavors unnoticed and unseen, exactly the way McAfee preferred his contributions. Many parts of Cullman have been touched in some way by McAfee and his love for the community. While his absence leaves a void, one thing McAfee’s friends and associates agree upon is that everyone should aspire to “be more like Danny.”
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