The Bob Graham Center for Public Service is honored to reflect on the remarkable life and contributions of Kenneth “Buddy” MacKay Jr., a dedicated public servant and the last Democrat to serve as Florida’s governor. He passed away peacefully on December 31, 2024, in Ocala, at the age of 91.
Gov. MacKay’s commitment to public service was evident throughout his extensive career. After earning both his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Florida, he served as a captain in the U.S. Air Force, an experience that broadened his perspectives on race and integration.
MacKay and former U.S. Senator and Governor Bob Graham were prominent figures in Florida’s political landscape during the latter half of the 20th century. Both were part of a progressive movement that sought to bring about significant reforms in the state’s political and economic environment.
Their collaboration and mutual respect were highlighted during a joint appearance at the Center on the UF campus in 2010. Graham introduced MacKay during a discussion about MacKay’s book, How Florida Happened: The Political Education of Buddy MacKay.
“Buddy McKay is the kind of person that makes you proud to live in a democracy, and to have been, in public office,” Graham said. “He set such a high standard that he influences those around him. (He) has lived and shaped much of Florida’s history during a period of great change, and demographic, economic and cultural growth.”
MacKay’s political journey began in 1968 when he was elected to the Florida House of Representatives. He later served in the Florida Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives, where he was known for tackling complex issues such as auto insurance reform, utility rate representation, and public school funding.
In 1990, MacKay became Lieutenant Governor under Lawton Chiles, contributing significantly to environmental protection efforts, advocating for minority communities, and promoting growth management to ensure Florida’s development balanced economic and environmental priorities.
Working with Marjorie Harris Carr, he was a steadfast advocate for restoring the Ocklawaha River by removing the Rodman Reservoir, a remnant of the defunct Cross Florida Barge Canal project. He delivered one of the eulogies at Carr’s memorial service in 1997, praising her grassroots campaign to decommission the barge canal as a model for modern citizen activism.
After losing the governor’s election to Jeb Bush in 1998, MacKay unexpectedly ascended to the state’s top post the next month following the untimely death of Governor Lawton Chiles. He served as governor for 24 days, until Jeb Bush’s inauguration in January 1999.
Later, he was appointed as a special envoy to Latin America by President Bill Clinton, reflecting his dedication to public service on both state and national levels.
MacKay’s legacy is also celebrated on the UF campus. During the dedication of Pugh Hall in 2008, benefactor Jim Pugh surprised a standing-room-only crowd by announcing he would donate $1 million to name the building’s large classroom auditorium after Buddy and Anne MacKay.
Gov. MacKay is survived by his wife, Anne and a large family of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A celebration of his life is scheduled for January 15 at Fort King Presbyterian Church in Ocala.