John Mcdaniel

John Leonard McDaniel was a tall, gentle man with a tender heart and a generous spirit. He was friendly, outgoing, quick to laugh, and slow to anger. He was always up for a challenge and remained positive in the face of adversity.

John was a wonderful brother, husband, father, stepfather, grandpa, and great grandpa who cherished his family above all. He was a loyal friend and a trusted mentor to many.

John graduated from Florida State University in 1965 and was a lifelong Seminoles fan and an early member of the Seminoles Club in Nashville. He was educated to be a teacher but worked most of his life in Sale and Marketing leadership. Which was a natural fit for his outgoing personality and love of people.

He loved his dogs Casey, and Cleo; college football and basketball; politics; good food and bourbon; grilling and smoking meat; and traveling and visiting family. He was known to make a U-turn and go back if he spotted a roadside boiled peanuts stand. (He did not like rutabaga or mean people.) John will be remembered for all the photos he took; his love of music, theater, reading and all things tech; his corny “dad” jokes; his use of the greeting “Hey there, Sugar Pie”; and his intelligence and the reassuring warmth of his presence.

John Leonard McDaniel was a very good man, He lived life to the fullest, loved with all his heart, and graced all who knew him by his presence. He will be missed, and his memory cherished by all those who were fortunate to be a part of his life.

He is survived by his wife, Janice McDaniel; children, Susan (John) Ariale, Heather (Robert) Lipschutz, Megan (Mike) Garcia and Brian Dworak; siblings, Mary Beth (Kirk) Meares and Bill (Maryanne) McDaniel; grandchildren, Michael (Caris) Ariale, Thomas Ariale, Catherin Ariale, Rachel (Jonathan) Greer, Phillip (Sarah) Lipschutz, Samuel Lipschutz, Sophia Lipschutz, Julia Garcia, and Audrey Garcia; great-granddaughter, Emelia Lipschutz.

A Celebration of John’s life will be held at a later date.