Kenneth Hood “Buddy” MacKay, Jr., a former governor of the state of Florida who was born in Ocala and graduated from Ocala High School in 1950, passed away peacefully at the age of 91.
According to a statement, the former governor passed away on Tuesday, December 31, while surrounded by family. MacKay was married to his wife, Anne, for 65 years. The couple had four sons together.
After he graduated from Ocala High School in 1950, MacKay went on to earn degrees in agricultural economics and law from the University of Florida. He served as a pilot and captain in the United States Air Force from 1955 to 1958.
In 1968, MacKay began his political career in the Florida House of Representatives, where he served until 1974. He then served in the Florida Senate until 1980.
In 1983, MacKay was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he served until 1989.
In 1990, he played a role in convincing Lawton Chiles to come out of retirement and run for governor.
After Chiles’ won the governorship, MacKay was elected Lieutenant Governor, a position he held from 1991 until 1998.
Following the death of Chiles on December 12, 1998, MacKay became Governor and held the position for 23 days until January 5, 1999.
In 1999, U.S. President Bill Clinton appointed MacKay as the United States Special Envoy for the Americas. He held that position until 2001.
MacKay’s death came amidst the 26th anniversary of his brief stint as Florida’s governor.
According to a statement, MacKay will be remembered for his decades of dedication to public service and an enduring legacy of principled leadership.