Jay Community Mourns Loss of Coach “Mac”
James D. McDaniel Sr, (COACH MAC), age 87, of Jay ,Florida, passed away on Sunday, April 5, 2026 at Gulf Breeze Hospital. He was born in Florella, Alabama on July 28, 1938, and was a resident of Jay for many years. He was a highly respected teacher and coach in Jay and was a member of the Jay First Baptist Church. He had served his country in the National Guard. He enjoyed watching and supporting Jay High School athletics and all of the Florida Gators sports.
He was preceded in death by his parents; Jay and Allie Mae McDaniel, and his son; Raymond McDaniel.
He is survived by his wife; Georgia Lee McDaniel: his son; James David McDaniel Jr (Brennis), a daughter Amanda Whiting (Delbert), and his brother; Charles McDaniel. Two grandchildren; Jennifer McDaniel, and Audrey Bodiford; three great grandchildren, Kaitlyn Cofield, Evan McDaniel, and Jacob McDaniel; six Great-Great Grandchildren; Georgia, Madilyn, Ezra, and Emory, Lakelynn, and Leighton.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 2:00 PM at the Jay First Baptist Church , with Dr. George Fredericks officiating. Lance Youngblood will deliver his Eulogy. Visitation will be from 1:00 Pm until service time. A private graveside service will be held at Magnolia Cemetery in Defuniak Springs, Florida.
Serving as pallbearers will be: Johnny Watson, Davey Schroeder, Delbert Whiting, Sean Doyle, Matthew Dobson, Ross Durst, Rhett Rowell, and Greg Heaton.
Honorary pallbearers will be Charles McDaniel, Mike Carrol, Dr. Eugene Bengston, Benny James Holton, Larry McAllister, Harry Kelly, Thomas Rowland, Dale Westmoreland, Terry Diamond,Elijah Bell, Joe Phillips, and Frank Greene.
