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Daniel Gordon McRae (AKA Daniel Gordon Schmidt), 76, passed away unexpectedly on May 12, 2026 in Tallahassee, Florida. He was born on December 20, 1949 to parents Kenneth and Patricia Gott in the Panama Canal Zone and was later adopted by John E. Schmidt Jr. Dan proudly served in the United States Navy where he completed his high school education. Following his service in the Navy, Dan lived in Colorado Springs for a number of years and worked in a variety of different roles, including owning his own karate studio and would regularly compete in full-contact competitions. While in Colorado, Dan would meet his sweetheart, Sylvia, and later marry her in Tallahassee, Florida where he began a long career at the Leon County Sheriff’s Office in 1983, serving in both Uniform Patrol and Corrections, attaining the rank of Lieutenant at the Leon County Jail where he was affectionately known as “Lieutenant Dan.” After retiring from the Sheriff’s Office in 2006, Dan worked for many years at Capital City Harley Davidson amidst the motorcycles he so dearly loved. Inspired by his stepfather’s love of genealogy, Dan dove deep into his roots and learned that he was a part of Clan McRae on his mother’s side, later legally changing his last name to McRae. Dan was immensely proud of his Scottish heritage, visited Scotland often and discovered other family members there. He would come to own several kilts and all the accessories needed to complete the attire of a proud Scotsman. He served a number of years in the local St. Andrews Society, worked diligently on the Tallahassee Scottish Games and would later be named as a Director of Clan McRae. Dan also loved his country and was a proud patriot believing in the founding father’s vision for the United States and would share with whomever was willing to listen that his Great-Great-Great-Great grandfather signed the Declaration of Independence. More than his love of Scotland and his country, Dan loved the Lord and his faith was the driving force behind all he did. Survivors include his wife, Sylvia Rae Schmidt, and her son, Chad McDonald and his wife, Michelle and daughter, Madison; siblings Kathy Ryan (Tim), John Schmidt (Diane), Tracy Boyce (Dusty), Ruthie Ivester (Mike), Randall Gott (Kay), Kenny Gott and Allen Gott, and stepsisters Sue Denny and Janet Fields (Jim), as well as a host of nieces, nephews and other extended family members, friends and colleagues whom Dan loved dearly. He is preceded in passing by his mother, Patricia Schmidt, stepfather, John E. Schmidt Jr., and his biological father, Kenneth Gott. The family will be receiving guests for a visitation at Bevis Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 2:00pm to be immediately followed by a funeral service at 3:00pm. Interment will be held at Roselawn Cemetery after the conclusion of the funeral service. Breanna Green of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the family with their arrangements.

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Daniel Gordon McRae (Daniel Gordon Schmidt)

December 20, 1949 - May 12, 2026