Leslie Allen McDaniel, 76

May 23, 1949 — March 13, 2026

Tupelo – 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. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, teacher, business leader, and community builder, Allen lived a life marked by faith, mentorship, and a deep love for family and community.

He was born on May 23, 1949, to Leslie Abner McDaniel and Mildred McDaniel and grew up in Myrtle, Mississippi.

Allen’s passion for teaching and mentoring young people led him to spend 15 years as a teacher and coach at Milam Junior High, where he became widely known and loved as Coach Mac. Investing in the lives of students was one of the great joys of his life, and many he coached continued to remember him with gratitude and respect for years to come.

After his time in education, Allen began a new chapter in business, joining Copywrite in sales and later becoming co-owner of the company, where he built lasting relationships and continued serving his community.

Allen later combined two of his greatest passions—classic automobiles and teaching—when he became the curator of the Tupelo Automobile Museum, where he enjoyed sharing automotive history and stories with visitors from near and far.

One of Allen’s most meaningful contributions to the community was the founding of the Blue Suede Cruise. What began as a dream in 2003 has grown into one of Tupelo’s signature events. Today the cruise hosts 1,100 classic cars—the event’s maximum capacity—and attracts more than 30,000 visitors each year, becoming a major attraction for the city and a celebration of the classic car culture Allen loved so much.

Allen’s faith in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior was central to his life and shaped the way he loved and served others. He also deeply valued friendship and community and enjoyed the camaraderie of his many car club friends.

Allen was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle whose life was centered on family. He shared 33 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Betty Jean McDaniel, building a life filled with love and commitment.

He is survived by his daughters, Laura Renee Pearson and her husband Harry, and Lesley McDaniel Godown and her husband Trent. He also lovingly embraced Betty’s children as his own: Stephanie Richey and her husband Tre’, and Stephen Chism and his wife Misty.

Allen 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, Leslie Abner McDaniel and Mildred McDaniel, and his brother, Hugh “Mike” McDaniel.

To his family he was more than a grandfather—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 influenced as Coach Mac, the family who loved him as Daddy Mac, and the community that continues to enjoy the traditions he helped build.

Today we take comfort knowing that Daddy Mac has finished his race and, in the presence of his Savior, has surely heard the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Monday, March 16, 2026, at Harrisburg Baptist Church. An additional visitation will be from 11 a.m. until service time Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at Harrisburg Baptist Church.

A Celebration of life will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at Harrisburg Baptist Church. Graveside services will follow at Glenfield Memorial Park. Pegues Funeral Directors have been entrusted with the care of Mr. Leslie’s arrangements.

Pallbearers will be Ken Owen, Bill Hancock, David Coffey, Hugh Tate, Henry Potts, Bobby Smith, Alan Hutcheson, Don Robertson, and Russ Harrington.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Larry Roebuck, Richard Hagood, Stewart Maxey, Harvey Clements, Jerry Palmer, Joe Fowler, James Moore, Frank Trask, Bennie Hankins, Pat James, and Alan Cousar.

Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be left at www.PeguesFuneralHome.com.

Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.

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Visitation