The Story Behind Miss Daisy

Miss Daisy began as a lighthearted family joke—but over time, she became a symbol of love, legacy, and the memories that make camping about more than just a destination.

In early 2008, my wife’s parents, Dave and Dolores, made the decision to retire after more than fifty years of marriage. Like many who dream of warmer winters and a slower pace of life, they left the cold, snowy winters of northeast Ohio and moved closer to family in East Tennessee. Dave was an outdoorsman through and through—he loved hunting, fishing, and the mountains—and he especially looked forward to sharing those passions with his grandsons, spending his retirement exploring everything Tennessee had to offer together.

Sadly, retirement didn’t unfold the way anyone expected. Dave was diagnosed with cancer and later suffered a stroke that took away his speech. He passed away in 2015. Before he died, I made him two promises: to continue giving Dolores a hard time the way Dave always did—and to always look after her. 

Around that same time, another couple entered our lives: Ken and Sue, retirees from Illinois who quickly became close friends. Weekends were spent eating out, playing games, and simply enjoying each other’s company. When Ken passed away in 2010, Sue remained in Tennessee and became part of the family. She and Dolores grew especially close, spending countless days shopping, crafting, laughing, and supporting one another.

Over the years, it became rare for my wife, Trudy, and I to go anywhere without Dolores and Sue riding along in the back seat. One day, I jokingly referred to them as my “Miss Daisies.” The name stuck. Wherever we went, the “Daisies” were there too, full of laughter, opinions, and stories.

In 2017, when Trudy and I bought our very first RV, the name felt obvious. With a laugh, I said we would call it Miss Daisy. (We later purchased a fifth wheel, which we also named Miss Daisy. What started as a family joke soon became something much deeper. Miss Daisy became a tribute - first to Dolores and Sue, and ultimately to the joy, companionship, and memories they brought into our lives.

The RV, the trips, the stories, and eventually this book all grew from that foundation of shared experiences, laughter, and love. Sue passed away suddenly on April 1, 2023, leaving behind an immeasurable void. The laughter that once filled the back seat—and later the campground—has never been quite the same.