Eugene McCall

Eugene McCall age 86, (formerly of Lima, Ohio) passed away Thursday, February 1, 2018, at his home in Caldwell, Ohio, surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and devoted pets.

Eugene was born May 22, 1931 in Transylvania County, North Carolina to the late Looney and Dora McCall and raised in Easley, SC, Pinhook, NC, and Balsam Grove, NC.

Eugene attended Berea College in Kentucky where he met the love of his life, Beatrice (Gambrel) McCall whom he married on December 26, 1951. Beatrice preceded him in death in 2015.

He worked as a teacher before joining the U.S. Marine Corps and serving in the Korean Conflict.  Eugene returned to spend most of his life in Lima, Ohio where he retired as a Captain on the Lima Fire Department. During his time with the fire department, he spearheaded the push for smoke detectors in every home.

Eugene was a devoted husband and father.  He loved playing cards and was a Life Master Bridge player, playing in tournaments all over the United States. Eugene could frequently be found playing poker at the Eagles. He enjoyed playing cards with his family too and occasionally would even let them win. He enjoyed flying his Cessna, going to horse races, reading, listening to music, fishing, and watching wildlife.

He is survived by his children, Eugene McCall Jr. of Lima, OH; Teresa McCall of Chicago, IL, and Elizabeth (Andy) Dick of Caldwell, OH; grandchildren, Eugene (Laura) McCall III of Columbus, OH, Elizabeth McCall Taber of Bellefontaine, OH, Alexander McCall of Lima, Elaine McCall of Westerville, OH, and John David McCall of Hilliard, OH; three great-grandchildren, Eugene McCall IV, Emma McCall, and Liam McCall; sister, Zella Ann (McCall) Galloway of Flat Rock, NC; half-brother, Hoyt McCall of Easley , SC; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lima Rescue Mission, 216 E. Wayne Street, Lima, OH 45801.

A Memorial Luncheon for friends and family to celebrate his life will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, February 10, 2018 at the Old Barn Out Back, 3175 W. Elm St, Lima, OH 45805, with Pastor Donnie Goodwin (nephew) officiating.

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