Daniel Eric Schneidt

We are honored to celebrate thirty-five years of an incredible young man: Daniel Eric Schneidt also known as "Dan the Man!", as many of us affectionately call him. He was the answer to his family's prayers for a healthy baby boy: a beloved son, nephew, brother, grandson and cousin.
Daniel was born in Gulfport, Mississippi and has a rod-n-reel in his hand from the time he was a toddler. He was a true embodiment of living the "salt life." He spent time as a deck hand on his Dida Pete's shrimping boat in South Louisiana and turned his lifelong fishing passion into a career, eventually getting his 100 Ton Master Captain's license.
Daniel, "Captain Dan" worked on boats out of many ports, including the Mississippi Gulf Coast, South Florida, Golden Barge Line out of Vicksburg, MS, but most of his time and training was here in Destin Harbor as a deckhand. Had you walked along the harbor with Daniel by your side, you would be hard pressed to go very far without someone calling out his name and exchanging a high five, strong handshake or a big bear hug. Many passions fueled Daniel's amazing life: Faith, Family, Friends, Football and Food!
FAITH: Daniel lived out his love for Christ with a tender heart for less fortunate people. His mission was simple and could be frequently found offering a listening ear or lending a helping hand. Daniel was a graduate of the 2013 inaugural Emerge Leadership Academy at Destiny Worship Center, Miramar Beach, Florida. He gained the nickname Prez because of his impeccable style at every event. He truly embodied ZZ Top's "Sharp Dressed Man." Two Destiny sponsored mission trips continued to deepen Daniel's compassion and make a life-long impact: Haiti and Africa. After returning from Haiti, Daniel conversations for months centered on his gratefulness for his family's abundance and rich blessings of running water, clothes and shelter.
FAMILY: It was common to hear Daniel say, "I love my family!" He was generous with his hugs and usually ended every phone conversation with, "I love you." Next to Jesus, Daniel's family was his rock. They were there to support him at every adventure and endeavor. Thanks to Daniel's generous connections, his family and friends enjoyed the Destin Christmas Boat Parade and Blessing of the Fleet aboard the Buccaneer Pirate Ship and the Southern Star Dolphin Cruise. Another family tradition that Daniel enjoyed was playing games. especially cards: he played a clever hand of spades or rummy and on Thanksgiving he dominated in heads up with endless "smack talk" lasting for days. Daniel brought the infectious laughter, the competitive spirit and quick wit to every family gathering.
FRIENDS: If were fortunate enough to be in Daniel's inner circle, they had an extremely loyal friend. He would literally give you the shirt off his back. Daniel made the acquaintances of many, but few people really got to know the true "Dan the Man." Daniel means "God is my judge." He lived up to his name and Daniel befriended people in all walks of life and was very accepting. He left the judging to God alone.
FOOTBALL: Being a member of an SEC family, Daniel had so many great sports memories. Just recently, Daniel attended the New Orleans Saints versus the Atlanta Falcons. He walked in on the first Who Dat touchdown and danced to his seat: "Let's Get Crunk!" He brought the luck - Saints for the WIN: 20 to 17! Saturdays are devoted to LSU Tigers and Sunday is set aside for the Saints, God and maybe a little fishin'. Daniel was a hype man. You would want Daniel on the sidelines cheering for you because he brought the passion and the WIN!
FOOD: A true Southerner, Daniel loved a good home-cooked meal - or a McGuire's steak, a Carrabba's Chicken Bryan or a Chick Fil A Deluxe? Get the picture? And he could put it away! No one was more excited to sit down at the table and eat than "Dan the Man." If a pan of lasagna was served, half was for Dan and the other half was divided among the remaining five.
Volumes more could be written to tell the Daniel Eric story, a simple man. His love for music, his bass guitar and incredible dance moves; his Johnny Bravo hair and megawatt smile; his infectious laugh that bubbled up from a pure heart making Daniel the most handsome man from the inside out. Daniel is survived by a very loving family that will hold him in our hearts forever.
Celebration of Life: Destiny Worship Center 10 AM December 13, 2024
122 Poinciana Boulevard, Miramar Beach, FL 32550
Reception/Greet Family/Light Refreshments: New Life Church (Immediately Following)
New Life Church
120 Kingdom Way
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
In lieu of flowers please send donations to:
Destin Fisherman's Foundation / PO Box 1075 Destin, FL 32541 / 501c3
OR
Lakeview Center: https://elakeviewcenter.org/about-us/donate/
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to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Daniel Eric Schneidt, please visit our floral store.