David Leslie McDaniel

David Leslie McDaniel, 75, of Palm Bay, Florida, passed away on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, surrounded by family while listening to Steppenwolf’s "Magic Carpet Ride;" a fitting soundtrack as he cut a trail one last time.

Born on September 22, 1949, in Chesapeake, West Virginia, Dave was the son of Eugene Clifford McDaniel and Delpha Vay King McDaniel. He was raised in Gallipolis, Ohio, and graduated from Gallia Academy High School in 1967 before proudly serving his country in the United States Army.

Dave relocated to Florida in the early 1970s and called the Sunshine State home ever since. He went on to graduate from Florida Southern College with a degree in Financial Management and spent the majority of his career working in the construction industry. In 1994, he founded his own general construction business, serving commercial and residential customers up and down the Space Coast for nearly 25 years.

Affectionately referred to as “Daddy Dave” by his children and “Pap” by his grandchildren, Dave was known for his token mustache, quick wit, common sense approach, unforgettable laugh and love of inappropriate jokes—especially his own. He was liked by all who met him and will be remembered as a proud father and grandfather, devoted husband, loyal friend and an all-around standup guy.

Dave enjoyed deep sea fishing (even if all he caught was a buzz) and was a die-hard Miami Dolphins fan. He liked watching any and every sport on TV, playing golf, crossword puzzles, fast roller coasters and indulging in a bowl of ice cream. He also knew his way around a kitchen and was famous for his homemade chili dogs and blackened Mahi Mahi.

While Dave had many admirable qualities, being punctual was not one of them. He had a knack for being fashionably late, often remarking, “You’re never late until you get there.” He truly did everything on his terms right until the very end.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Carolyn Bradbury and his brother Eugene F. McDaniel. He is survived by his wife, Linetta DeMoss; his son, Joshua McDaniel, and wife Angie; his daughter, Miranda McDaniel Kinney, and husband Matt; his two grandchildren, Owen McDaniel and Coraline Kinney; and his brother, Howard McDaniel, and wife Ann.

In true Dave fashion, there will be no formal service. Instead, family and life-long friends will gather for a small celebration on Sunday, March 30, with a larger “passing party” to be held on April 19, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you share your favorite memory of Dave and raise a glass to living life to the fullest. Bingo.