Eric Michael Daniels

Eric Daniels, 40, of Monticello, passed away on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. He was born January 2, 1986, in La Place, Louisiana, to Michael and Maria Parker Daniels.

Raised in Monticello, Eric graduated from Monticello High School and later earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Arkansas at Monticello, where he was a proud member of TKE. He worked for several years with Olameter before joining Entergy, giving his best each day and taking pride in his work.

Eric had a presence you couldn’t miss. Passionate, talkative, and full of energy, he could walk into a room and instantly lift the mood. His family and friends knew him best as “Tuna,” and those friendships ran deep—he was loyal to the core and always showed up when it mattered most.

He enjoyed video games, puzzles, Legos, music, and long card games that usually turned into nights full of laughter. More than any hobby, he simply loved being around his people. With his big heart and natural sense of humor, he had a way of keeping everyone smiling.

Eric was one of the biggest supporters of his wife’s restaurants, celebrating every success right alongside her. Above all, he adored his family. They were his world, and he made sure they felt that love every single day. His generous spirit and outgoing nature will be remembered by all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by multiple guardian angels including friends and family.

He leaves behind his beloved wife and best friend, Amanda Akines Daniels and daughter, Arya Freeman of Monticello; his parents, Michael and Maria Daniels; one sister, Tina Milner (Paul) of La Place, LA; and one brother, Chris Greenwood of Charleston, SC; along with one uncle, John Thomas Parker of Mobile, AL; one aunt, Sylvia Picone (Jon) of San Rafael, CA; nieces, and nephews that he adored; and a bonus family of in-laws that he was grateful for.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, February 22nd, at Medders Funeral Home Chapel, 1324 Hwy 278 W, in Monticello, with Rev. Bryan Diffee, officiating, followed by interment at Rose Hill Cemetery in Monticello.  Pallbearers are Tim Emery, Blake Anglin, Tim Lane, Colt Blevins, Cody Eason, Caleb Alexander-McKinzie, Bradly Gill, and Robert Shifflett.  Honorary pallbearers are Paul Milner and Katelyn Waguespack.

Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m., Saturday, at Medders Funeral Home in Monticello.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Eric Michael Daniels, please visit our floral store.