Sad news rocked Florida this week as former governor Buddy MacKay passed away.
According to AP News, Buddy MacKay, whose term as Florida's governor lasted only 23 days following his predecessor's death, died at 91 in his home.
Born on March 22, 1933, in Ocala, Florida, Kenneth "Buddy" MacKay was more than just a short-term governor. He had a diverse career that spanned being a U.S. Congressman, a state legislator, and a two-term lieutenant governor under Governor Lawton Chiles before briefly assuming the governorship after Chiles’ death in December 1998.
Despite his brief governorship, MacKay's impact on Florida politics was significant. He joined politics during the bustling era of state integration, with strong convictions about race shaped deeply by his service in the U.S. Air Force from 1955 to 1958.
His political efforts, however, were not always met with success. He narrowly missed a U.S. Senate seat in 1988 to Republican Connie Mack III by less than one percentage point and lost the 1998 gubernatorial election to Jeb Bush.
In a reflection on his career and departure from political contests, Buddy MacKay once conveyed his humor and humility. “I got out of politics because of illness. The voters got sick and tired of me.”
Following his political tenure, Buddy MacKay continued to serve in various capacities. President Bill Clinton appointed him as a special envoy to Latin America, where he furthered diplomatic relations and development initiatives.
His commitment to public service extended into his later years; he frequently engaged in pro bono work and mediated in the juvenile court system. These roles demonstrated his enduring dedication to community and civic engagement.
Reflecting on the significance of his military experience on his views on integration, Buddy MacKay shared this insight: “Not until I went into the military did I see the potential for getting this behind us.”
Outside of his political and public service life, Buddy Mcakay was a dedicated churchgoer and enjoyed serene activities like tending to camellias and spending time at his family farm.
He was also an attorney and citrus grower, showing the breadth of his interests and involvements across different spheres of his life. Notably, MacKay was grounded in his origins and values, often remarking on his nickname's roots in his southern upbringing: “In the old South, which I was born into, 'Buddy' means junior... I'm more of a Buddy than a Kenneth.” Former competitor and Governor Jeb Bush remarked on his service: "His one-time competitor had served the state with honor and distinction.”
Governor Ron DeSantis tweeted a heartfelt tribute recognizing MacKay's lifelong commitment: “We mourn the passing of Buddy MacKay. A U.S. Air Force veteran and lifelong public servant, MacKay was dedicated to our country and our state. May he rest in peace.”
Kenneth "Buddy" MacKay passed away on a quiet Tuesday, dying peacefully in his sleep after taking a nap at his residence in Ocklawaha, Florida. His son, Ken MacKay, eloquently summarized his father's life and death: "It was a very peaceful end to a great life."
Buddy MacKay's journey through political highs and personal passions marked his 91-year legacy, leaving behind a record of service and a personal touch that shaped Florida's political and social landscape. His commitment to civil service, community involvement, and lighthearted approach to adversity continue to inspire those who knew him and his work.
