Wayne McCall

Wayne Charles McCall, a proud son of Ocala, Florida—renowned for his leadership on the football field, in the courtroom, and throughout his community—passed away peacefully at the age of 78. Born on December 26, 1946, Wayne was a lifelong Floridian and a shining example of character, service, and excellence. A 1964 graduate of Ocala High School, he went on to attend the University of Florida, where he left an indelible mark as a three-year football letterman and team captain for the Florida Gators. As a hard-hitting linebacker, Wayne helped lead the Gators to victories in the Sugar Bowl and Orange Bowl, and he was celebrated for his intelligence, toughness, and unwavering leadership. His athletic contributions were matched by his academic excellence. Wayne was named to Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities, selected for Florida Blue Key, and later inducted into the University of Florida Hall of Fame. Following his graduation with a bachelor’s degree in English in 1968, Wayne served his country as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, earning the Joint Services Commendation Medal. He returned to UF to pursue law, graduating with honors from the Levin College of Law in 1972 and becoming a member of the Order of the Coif. Wayne embarked on a distinguished legal career that spanned over four decades. Admitted to the Florida Bar in 1973, he became a Board-Certified Civil Trial Lawyer and a certified Civil Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. As a partner at Ayres Cluster Law Firm, Wayne specialized in personal injury, wrongful death, and complex civil litigation. He was respected statewide for his integrity, intellect, and passionate advocacy for justice. His public service was equally impactful. Wayne was a member of the Fifth Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission and chaired the Fifth District Court of Appeal Judicial Nominating Commission. He was active in numerous legal organizations including the Florida Bar, the Marion County Bar Association, and national trial lawyer groups. Wayne never stopped giving back to the Gator Nation. He served on the University Athletic Association board, led the UF National Alumni Association as president (1992–93), served on the Gator Boosters Board of Directors and was a member of the F Club. He was selected as Marion County’s “Gator of the Year” in 1992 and was a member of the University of Florida President’s Council. In his community, Wayne was a founding member and president of the Rotary Club of Metropolitan Ocala, served on the Public Education Foundation Board of Directors, was a Take Stock in Children mentor, participated in Junior Achievement of North Central Florida, served on the Board of the Scott Carrigan baseball field, and was an active member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. Above all, Wayne was a devoted husband and father. He married Beth Wasson in 1975, and together they raised three children—Diana, Melody, and Matt—instilling in them the same values of honor, compassion, and service that defined his own life. Wayne McCall embodied the true spirit of the Florida Gator—fierce in competition, generous in community, and loyal in heart. His legacy will live on through the many lives he touched. He was preceded in death by his father Wayne McCall, his mother, Catherine McCall and his brother, George McCall. He is survived by his wife Beth; children Diana Scroggie (Josh), Melody Hardy, and Matt McCall (Allison); grandchildren Collin, Grady, McCall, Jack, Brooklyn, Kylie, and Maverick; brothers John (Janice), Bill (Crystal), Mike (Marilyn), Bob and Dan (Jaky) and a wide circle of extended family, colleagues, teammates, and friends. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, July 11 th , at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 800 SE 41 st Ave. A reception will follow at the Country Club of Ocala. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Public Education Foundation of Marion County Take Stock in Children Program, 1239 NW 4 th St, Ocala, FL 34475 or pefmc.org; Empath Hospice of Marion County Foundation, Nancy Renyhart Dementia Education Campaign, PO Box 4860, Ocala, FL 34478; or St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 800 SE 41 st Ave, Ocala, FL 34471.

Wayne McCall

December 26, 1946 - June 23, 2025