David Scott McDaniel, 54, went to be with our Lord and Savior on April 3, 2024. He was born on April 4, 1969, in Memphis, TN. Scott was a Bartlett native and graduated from Bartlett High School in 1987. Scott was a highly decorated football star who then became a mentor and coach to many kids throughout the Memphis area for decades. He received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Memphis State University, where he was a member of Kappa Alpha Order and was well known in his college years by the name of “Gus”. He began a successful professional career in consulting, IT, and sales. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joyce and Guy Cleaves. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Sandy, his children, Addie (24) and Matthew (21), and his two brothers, Tim (Shawna) and Ricky (Tina) McDaniel.
He was a friend, coach, colleague, husband, father, brother, role model, and so much more to many people. Scott loved to be on the water. Whether it was fishing in the Florida Keys, surfing at Pickwick Lake, or hanging out by the pool, that was where he wanted to be. He spent a lot of his free time in his recent years on the golf course mastering his golf game. Scott enjoyed sports, especially when his kids were on the field. He was their biggest fan, and he never missed a soccer or baseball game. On Saturdays in the fall, he was cheering on his beloved Memphis Tigers at the Liberty Bowl.
Scott was a vibrant, intentional, and compassionate friend to all. He brought a bright light to every room and didn’t go anywhere without his music playlists. Wherever he was, there was joy. He greeted everyone with the biggest hug and a smile.
In lieu of flowers, consider a donation in Scott’s memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or Fayette Cares.