Daniel Alexander McLendon

Dan was born on August 1, 1957 in Savannah, Georgia. He graduated from Savannah Christian before joining the military where he served in the United States Marine Corps from 1975 to 1979. He had a love for flying and after his time in the military he obtained both his private and commercial pilot licenses. He continued to use his skills and knowledge and later became a flight instructor. Dan was forever the teacher – teaching what he knew and if he didn’t know it, he would research it until he did. He always loved helping others learn and achieve their goals.

Dan married the love of his life, Kathleen Louise Wooldridge, on October 11, 1985 in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. They shared a beautiful life and made wonderful memories together with their two children, Jonna and Justin.

Dan loved life and lived it to the fullest. He loved his family and went above and beyond to make sure they were always taken care of. He was a humble man with a servant’s heart. He wholeheartedly loved and cared for others. He was an encourager and a loyal friend. He was passionate about his family, his friends, his love for God, and his church. He was a true missionary (both here and abroad) as his heart was burdened for those who did not yet have a saving relationship with Christ. Therefore, he made sure that he shared Jesus with everyone he met. His love for the Lord was not just in words but in action. It was evident in the way that he lived his life every day. He truly wanted to get to know people, love them, and serve them…. just like Jesus.

Dan worked as a pilot for American Airlines for 40 years. During his career he was able to see numerous parts of the country and the world. In 2020, he retired from American Airlines and came home to begin his next adventure…seeing the country by land. Together with his beloved wife Kathy and their sweet dog, Chewie, Dan saw many sites, met lots of people, made wonderful memories, and of course shared Jesus along the way. He loved the outdoors and was very active. He loved to camp, golf, bike, and play pickleball.

Dan was an amazing husband, father, and Papa. He was also a loving and faithful caregiver to his wife Kathy as she battled cancer the last few years. He was with her every step of the way, loving, encouraging, helping, and caring for her. It was his fervent prayer, that they would overcome this battle together and he was there to celebrate with her on January 31, 2024 as she rang the bell when she completed her cancer treatments.

Dan is preceded in death by his parents, Walter Daniel McLendon and Nettie Louise Hicks McLendon. He is survived by his beloved wife, Kathy McLendon of Mt Juliet, TN. His daughter Jonna (Brad) Smith of Waynesboro, MS; his son Justin Garver of Mt. Juliet, TN; and his grandchildren Hannah (Matt) Landrum; Logan Garver; Emma Garver; Abby Smith; Kinley Garver, Braelyn (Drew) Marshall, his beloved dog Chewie as well as a host of friends that felt like family.

Dan leaves behind a legacy of love and faithfulness that will live forever in the hearts and minds of everyone that had the pleasure of knowing him. While we are grieving him here on earth, we know he is rejoicing and basking in the presence of his most gracious heavenly father, His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.