McDaniel’s General Merchandise Family Duo Highlight First “Gems of Stone County”

We’ve all heard the phrase, “Oh, they’re such a gem,” to describe a remarkable or special person. To call someone a “gem” means they embody exceptional, unique or rare qualities. These individuals make Stone County, Mississippi, a compassionate, charming and distinctive place. Welcome to our new “Gems of Stone County” blog series, for which we have an endless supply of people and personalities to feature and share with our community and the world!

In our first feature, we spotlight a mother-and-son duo who run one of the longest-standing businesses in the county — McDaniel’s General Merchandise. Meet Patti McDaniel Saia and Jimmie Ragsdale, who have continued the legacy of their family’s store, originally opened in 1937 as O’Neal’s General Merchandise by Patti’s maternal grandfather in McHenry. McDaniel’s offers everything from locally sourced eggs and milk to Ace Hardware products, lawnmowers, chainsaws, paint supplies and more — everything you need to spruce up your home or business.

“We love to sell local products made by local people,” Patti shared. “We offer food like honey, beef, quality seafood, coffee, spices, hot sauces, and even pork rinds, as well as handmade items like soaps. Supporting local small businesses is something we’re passionate about.”

McDaniel’s is more than just a store—it’s a cornerstone of Stone County. Originally, O’Neal’s provided gas, groceries, and some hardware. In the 1950s, when Highway 49 expanded from two to four lanes, Patti’s grandfather built what became the store’s iconic location for many years. Recently, that building was removed to allow for McDaniel’s expansion, ensuring the business could continue to grow after 87 years of service.

One of the greatest successes for Patti and Jimmie surprisingly happened during COVID-19 after Jimmie’s decision to expand McDaniel’s Saturday community market where local farmers and vendors could sell their products to run daily, becoming a community essential.

“I saw how popular farmers’ markets were in Ocean Springs and Biloxi, and we had the space,” Jimmie explained. “I reached out to vendors, and soon, we had our own market, and it took off.”

While many businesses struggled, McDaniel’s thrived.

“Thanks to our open-air parking lot, we didn’t have to worry about spacing restrictions,” Jimmie explained. “The timing was unfortunate, but it worked out well for us and the community. We provided a safe place for people to buy essentials and gave local vendors a chance to showcase their homemade products.”

These actions embody the same values that Patti’s grandfather instilled in the store back in 1937: fostering a sense of community.

“Running McDaniel’s feels like being part of an extended family,” Patti said. “I’ve enjoyed growing our business alongside the community. We’re building new schools, which is bringing in new economic development and businesses. It’s exciting to evolve with the area.”

Jimmie also advocates for Stone County’s attractions, particularly its hidden gem — the bicycle trails at Old Wire Road.

“The trails span six miles from end to end. I can ride from my house to the trail without worrying about traffic,” he shared. “It’s one of the great features of Stone County that many people don’t even know about.”

For Patti and Jimmie, the natural beauty and outdoor opportunities in Stone County are what make the area so special.

“We have Flint Creek and Red Creek where you can float, camp overnight and fish,” Jimmie said. “Plus, the Pine Hill area offers great dining and entertainment options. There aren’t many places where you can have a steak dinner one evening and enjoy a day out in nature the next.”

Patti echoed her son’s sentiment, highlighting another local attraction, Wild Acres Hands-On Experience, an interactive exotic zoo in McHenry.

“The zoo lets visitors interact with animals like tigers and bears in a safe environment,” Patti explained. “There’s a tour guide to explain everything, and afterward, you can enjoy Chill Sloth Ice Cream while watching the resident sloth. It’s such a cool experience.”

Despite the numerous changes in Stone County over the years, McDaniel’s remains a constant — a central point for more than just groceries and hardware but good conversation as well.

“We get all kinds of questions about local activities,” Patti laughed. “People ask us everything, from garbage pick-up times to directions. Even if we don’t know the answer, we’ll find out for you. Some days, we’re 411, 811, and 911 all at once.”

Patti and Jimmie also recalled times when the store became an emergency center as Patti’s father, a founding member of the local volunteer fire department, often provided first aid until help arrived, a tradition that continues today.

“McDaniel’s is where people shop their entire lives,” Patti said. “It’s part of what makes us, and our community, shine.”

“We love what we do,” Jimmie concluded. “It’s easy to get up every morning and serve our community. This isn’t just a business—it’s our way of life.”