Samuel "Sam" Allen McDaniel

Samuel “Sam” Allen McDaniel, 80, a resident of Columbia, Tennessee, died Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at his residence surrounded by his family.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 5:00 PM at New Lasea Church of Christ 1570 Lasea Road, Columbia, TN 38401 with burial to follow Monday, October 12, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Jones Cemetery in Lexington, Tennessee. The family will visit with friends Saturday from 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM at the church.

Mr. McDaniel was born September 27, 1946, in Wildersville, Tennessee, to the late John Allen McDaniel and Irevene Pinckley McDaniel. He graduated from Lexington High School in 1964 and attended Freed-Hardeman University, where he earned an associate degree, and Memphis State University, where he received a bachelor’s degree.

On August 29, 1970, he married Linda Ann Allen McDaniel, and they shared 56 years together.

Mr. McDaniel retired in 2008 from Tennessee Farm Bureau after 37½ years of service, where he had served as an auto underwriter and vice president. He was a faithful member of New Lasea Church of Christ, where he served as an elder for 10 years.

He loved horses, especially Tennessee Walking Horses, and was an avid University of Tennessee sports fan. He enjoyed spending time at the family cabin, fishing, and especially eating catfish. Above all, he cherished his family and the time they shared together.

In addition to his wife, Linda Ann Allen McDaniel of Columbia, he is survived by his daughter, Laura Grace McDaniel of Columbia; son, Samuel “Allen” McDaniel II of Columbia; and sister, Martha Stanfill of Lexington, Tennessee.

Pat Deen, Austin Johnson, Jimmy Egerton, Taylor Anderson, Noah McFarlen, and John Waldrum will serve as pallbearers.

Memorials may be made to the Freed-Hardeman University Scholarship for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.