Ronald Dean McCall

The McCall family mourns the loss of Ronald D. McCall, 85, who passed away on September 20, 2021 at his home in Tampa, FL. Ronald will be laid to rest with his parents, brother and many other preceding relatives at the Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery in Madison, FL. The family has planned a small Chapel service in response to continuing concerns over the spread of the COVID virus. Ronald or “Ron” was a Florida native whose family populated the Madison, FL area for many generations. Ron’s parents migrated southward, and Ron was born in Avon Park, FL. Eventually, his family moved to Plant City, FL where he attended Plant City High School and played football for the Planters. He enjoyed working at Moody’s drug store and spoke very highly of the Moody family and the support and confidence they showed him. Ron’s football skills would earn him a scholarship to Vanderbilt University, which he attended for one year. Deciding he was ready to turn his focus toward his career aspirations, Ron transferred to the University of Florida to pursue a law degree. He was an active student. He served as an officer of the Student Body and was a member of Blue Key, the Hall of Fame, and Phi Kappa Phi. He was also Executive Editor of the Florida Law Review 1960. Ronald loved being a Gator and particularly watching Gator Football! Ron began his law career with a large Tampa firm, earning the respect and confidence of his colleagues and clients. He served as President of the Hillsborough County Florida Bar in 1973 and 1974. He was Chairman of the Florida Council of Bar Association Presidents 1976-1977. He had a long and successful law career, working many hard hours to tackle challenging issues and disputes with heartfelt dedication and determination. He was an especially strong defender of ranchers and family farms from the effects of high estate taxes, and the resulting loss of open spaces, wildlife, and division of large land parcels to development. In 1976, Ron presented to the US Congress on behalf of the Pottberg Estate, Florida Cattlemen’s Association, Sierra Club, and other parties to preserve natural land for the future. In addition to public law practice, Ron served 37 years as a Director on the board of a public company, Cryolife, Inc. who he served faithfully and insightfully, providing advice and guidance based on many years of experience and knowledge. Outside his professional life, Ron enjoyed agriculture activities including citrus growing and cattle farming. He loved to research and study the best practices needed to achieve excellent crop production. He served as a member of board of directors of the Winter Haven Citrus Growers Association. His efforts to support his community included service on the board of trustees, and President of the Gulf Coast Lung Association 1978 and 1979. Ron’s family was also an important part of his life. Ron frequently surprised his young children with a gallon of milk and a box of Duncan doughnuts for an impromptu early morning trip to the beach at Tampa Causeway. He encouraged trips to visit relatives so that his children would develop strong bonds with both sides of the family. Summer vacations in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina were some of his fondest memories, and these trips always included a stop in Mooresville, NC where much of his wife’s family resided. He enjoyed teaching his teenage children to play golf and found that time on the golf course to play nine holes with them was a great way to unwind after a busy day. When his children went off to college, Ron was always just a phone call away. He is remembered for this nugget of wisdom when things were not going their way: “The one thing you can count on in life is that things will change.” Ron is survived by his wife, Marilyn, his children Mary and her husband Danny Fischer and their daughter Anastasia, Ronald Jr. and his wife Diane and their son George, Caroline and her husband Scott Gaynes, and their children Anna, and Ian. A Funeral Service will be held on October 3, 2021 at 3:00 PM at Beggs Madison Chapel in Madison, Florida. Interment will follow at Macedonia Cemetery. Beggs Funeral Home is assisting the family. You may leave condolences at www.beggsfuneral.com

Ronald Dean McCall

April 27, 1936 - September 20, 2021