Former Florida Governor Buddy MacKay, U.S. Air Force Veteran and Public Servant, Dies at 91 After 23 Days in Office

Jan 2, 2025, 08:25 PM

Former Florida Governor Kenneth 'Buddy' MacKay, who briefly served as the state's 42nd governor, passed away at the age of 91 on New Year's Eve. MacKay died peacefully during an afternoon nap at his home in Ocala, surrounded by his wife, Anne, and their four adult sons. A U.S. Air Force veteran and lifelong public servant, MacKay was dedicated to both his country and his state. He had a distinguished career in public service, including roles in the military, the Florida House, the Florida Senate, and as lieutenant governor under Governor Lawton Chiles. MacKay became governor for 23 days following Chiles' sudden death in December 1998, before Jeb Bush was inaugurated in January 1999. MacKay ran for governor in 1998 but lost to Bush. His death prompted condolences from current Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former Governor Jeb Bush, who both praised MacKay's dedication to the state.