Allen McDaniel

Leslie Allen McDaniel, lovingly known as Allen to his friends, “Coach Mac” to generations of students, and “Daddy Mac” to the family who adored him, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2026, at the age of 76. Born on May 23, 1949, in Myrtle, Mississippi, to Leslie Abner McDaniel and Mildred McDaniel, Allen lived a life marked by faith, mentorship, and a deep love for family and community.

A devoted teacher and coach, he spent 15 years at Milam Junior High, where his passion for investing in young lives earned him the enduring affection of countless students who continued to remember him with gratitude and respect long after their school days. After his time in education, Allen entered the business world, joining Copywrite in sales and later becoming co-owner, where he built lasting relationships and continued to serve those around him. He later combined his love for classic automobiles and teaching as curator of the Tupelo Automobile Museum, where he enjoyed sharing stories of automotive history with visitors from near and far.

One of his most significant contributions to the community was founding the Blue Suede Cruise in 2003. What began as a personal dream grew into one of Tupelo’s signature events, drawing 1,100 classic cars and more than 30,000 visitors each year and becoming a lasting celebration of the classic car culture he cherished. Allen’s faith in Jesus Christ was central to his life and guided the way he loved and served others. He also treasured the camaraderie of his many car club friends.

Above all, Allen was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle whose life revolved around family. He shared 33 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Betty Jean McDaniel. He is survived by his daughters, Laura Renee Pearson and her husband Harry, and Lesley McDaniel Godown and her husband Trent, as well as Betty’s children whom he embraced as his own: Stephanie Richey and her husband Tre’, and Stephen Chism and his wife Misty. He leaves behind a large and cherished family of grandchildren: Cole Pearson (Hannah), Madison Pearson Craft (Ben), Laiken Pearson Barlow (Alex), Christian Pearson, Hannah Claire Braun (Garrett), Bryce Godown, Brandy Young (Brandon), Brandon Byrd (Bri), Haylee Littlejohn (Jake), Hayden Chism, Grayson Richey, and Sawyer Richey, along with his niece, Ashley McDaniel, and 17 great-grandchildren who brought him tremendous joy. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Hugh “Mike” McDaniel.

To his family he was Daddy Mac, a steady presence whose love, wisdom, humor, and stories shaped generations. Allen will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered by all who knew him. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched as Coach Mac, the family who loved him as Daddy Mac, and the community that continues to enjoy the traditions he helped build.