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Geo. H. Lewis & Sons Funeral Directors

1010 Bering Drive

Houston, Texas

Sterling McCall Obituary

Sterling B. McCall, Jr. passed away Monday, the 7th of October 2013, in Houston at the age of 78. He was a long time Houston resident and had recently retired to Austin.
McCall was born on the 25th of February 1935, to Sterling B. McCall and Dorothy Royer McCall. He was raised in Houston and graduated from Lamar High School in 1953. He attended Southern Methodist University graduating in 1957, with a Bachelor in Business Administration. He went on to attend the University of Texas Law School where he met his wife Marianne and graduated in 1960. McCall served as an officer in the United States Air Force in the Judge Advocate General's Department from 1960 - 1963.
After his military service, he spent several years in Houston as a real estate attorney. However, his longtime love of the automobile lead him to found Southwest Toyota in 1969 (later Sterling McCall Toyota) which was the first single point Toyota franchise in Houston. He grew the dealership into one of the largest and most respected in the country. In 1989, McCall was chosen by Toyota as one of the first 40 Lexus franchises in the United States and quickly grew it into one of the largest in the country. As a visionary businessman, McCall co-founded Group 1 Automotive, an international automobile retail company in 1995 and assisted in its IPO in 1997.
In his retirement, he was an avid car collector and founded the Sterling McCall Old Car Museum in Warrenton, TX. The museum included a variety of cars from the early 1900's through the 1960's. One of his favorite groups of cars was his large collection of Cadillacs. In the last years, he enjoyed collecting many exotic cars and his most recent passion was the all-electric cars of Tesla. However, his biggest joy was his twelve grandchildren whom he loved dearly.
McCall served on the board of Goodwill Industries of Houston carrying on his father-in-law's legacy. He served for more than 20 years, most recently as the Senior Chairman of the Board. McCall was involved with and supported a variety of other charitable causes over the years including Pine Cove Christian Camps, Laity Lodge Foundation Camps, Round Top Children's Library, SIRE, Champions-4-Children plus many more.
McCall is survived by his wife of 54 years, Marianne O. McCall, his children Sterling B. McCall, III and wife Mauri, Raymond O. McCall and wife Monica, Allison Anne McCall and Karen M. Brown and her husband Steve and his twelve grandchildren Madison & Maegan McCall, Merritt, Madeleine & Avery McCall, Virginia, Grace, Anna & Margaret Sitzes, AnneElise, Corbin & MaryClaire Brown. He is also survived by his sisters, Patti McCall Holliday, Mary Anne McCall VanCoutren and husband Andy.
A memorial service is to be conducted at eleven o'clock in the morning on Monday, the 14th of October, at Chapelwood United Methodist Church, 11140 Greenbay Street in Houston, where Dr. Jim Jackson, Senior Pastor, is to officiate.
In lieu of customary remembrances, contributions may be directed to Goodwill Industries, 1140 W. Loop North, Houston, TX, 77055; Pine Cove Christian Camps, PO Box 9055, Tyler, TX, 75711; Laity Lodge Foundation, PO Box 290670, Kerrville, TX, 78029; Round Top Children's Library, PO Box 245, Round Top, TX, 78954; SIRE, http://sire-htec.org/; Champions-4-Children, 3804 Avenue B, Austin, TX,78751; or to the charity of one's choice.

Published by Houston Chronicle from Oct. 9 to Oct. 13, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

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October 7, 2014. One year and you are still sorely missed and fondly remembered. Rest in peace.

Patricia

October 7, 2014

Sterling was a very sharing soul. He is fondly remembered and sorely missed especially on what would have been the 79th anniversary of the day God blessed us with his loving, sharing soul.

Patricia

February 25, 2014

Sterling was an ordinary man who did extraordinary things as God's revelation. He lived God's word through the love he showed and the good deeds he did for others. He was truly selfless and an example of God's love here on earth.

An adoring friend

November 20, 2013

It was an honor working for you. You will always be in our hearts. You will be greatly missed. Aaron and Debra Faland

Aaron Faland

October 17, 2013

Sterling was an inspiration to so many people in so many ways; always giving, always kind. He filled many hearts with his love, passion and compassion. We are all the better for his munificence, his wit, his charm and the memory of his smiling face. He was a wonderful conversationalist, a caring friend, a provider of comfort and sage advice, and a source and strength for one to become a better person. My heart hurts from his passing but is happy for having been in his life. God Bless and keep his loving soul.

Patricia

October 17, 2013

Sterling was a great man with a large heart. He will be missed. Our condolences to all of the McCalls

Ron, James and Alex Taylor

October 15, 2013

We knew Sterling and Maryanne as farm neighbors on Roznov Road. We watched Roznov Farm grow with lots of
activities and structures as the grand-
children numbered. His antique cars in the annual Fourth of July Round Top Parade were great entries. Sterling will be dearly missed in Fayette County as a very special person who shared his generosity with many.
Charles and Patricia Schmidt
Ticker Tape Farm
Fayetteville, Texas

October 14, 2013

Mr. McCall helped thousands of people in the Houston area alone, I one of them. Thank you sir and God bless. I will remember him fondly.

Glen Schulz

October 14, 2013

Tom Bohrnstedt

October 14, 2013

Though I never met Mr. McCall, My grandmother, Claudia McCall Megathlin, told me many stories of her brother,Sterling B. McCall Sr, I believe that this was his father. My sincere condolences to the McCall family. Mary Karen Megathlin Lopez

October 14, 2013

Thank you, Sterling, for your service to our country.

Col George O Lewis, USAF (Ret)

October 13, 2013

I was honored to serve on the Board of Directors of a local bank with Sterling for several years. By any measure,he was a class gentleman. George Simons, Houston

October 12, 2013

I am sorry for your loss, Mr. McCall was a great joy to work with and was very nice, We helped restore his classic cars, I remember he loved the old Oldsmobiles and Lincolns, He always enjoyed helping get these cars ready, he shared a lot of wisdom with me and I really enjoyed the relationship we had with Mr. McCall, A fine gentleman that treated everyone with respect, Very sad to hear this new, He will be in our thoughts and prayers.

John Connell

October 12, 2013

God Bless Sterling. He was an angel here on earth and is now watching over us as an angel in heaven.

Patricia

October 11, 2013

We were classmates at Poe and his mother was our Cub Scout den mother before my family moved away. Reunited through mutual friends in Austin in more recent years we enjoyed many times with the wonderful McCall family. Our prayers and love we send to Marianne et al.
Cabannne "Cab" and Lyndall Link.
Dallas, TX

October 11, 2013

He was a great friend and a good businessman. Houston lost a good man. Prayers to the family

Lee and Judy stein

October 11, 2013

My condolences to the McCall family.
I am proud to have worked for him
and his dealerships for 27 years.

John Cowie

October 11, 2013

I would like to send my deepest condolences to the McCall Family on the passing of Mr McCall. My journey with the car business started in 1994 working for Raymond McCall. I was then offered the opportunity to work for Sterling McCall Toyota. I believe I was blessed to have had such a privilege to work for a great company. Mr. McCall was sweet and kind man who I will never forget.
He will truly be missed by everyone, especially those of us who worked with him at the SMT location.


“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.”

Tanya

October 11, 2013

My sincere condolences for Sterling, Raymond and the entire McCall family at this difficult time.

H Jay Rockaway

October 11, 2013

Sterling McCall Toyota, what an exciting place to have worked at in the 90's. It was a privilege to have known and worked for such a wise, hard working man, Sterling McCall.
I pray the Lord will wrap you all in His arms and give you peace.
~Corina

October 11, 2013

I am very sorry for the loss of such a cherished family member. I'm sure that Raymond is a direct reflection of his father. They don't come any better. Blessings to the entire family.
Sharon Hull

October 11, 2013

My condolences to the McCall family.

Delores Schmitt

October 11, 2013

I have wonderful memories of Sterling all through junior high and high school, but the most recent and fun was on our cruise to Alaska when we really jitterbugged till we dropped! My prayers and thoughts are with Marianne and his loving family and I know that Sterling has added joy in Heaven!
Jacquelyn (Jacqui) Ferguson Lewis

Jacquelyn Lewis

October 11, 2013

I had the privilege of working for Mr. McCall for a number of years at Sterling McCall Toyota and as our ads said "The #1 Toyota Dealership in Texas" he was the #1 Dealer to work for. What a great Man, Leader, Person and Boss. Mr. McCall you will be missed by many... God Bless to the family and Prayers for strength.
Daren Granger and family

Daren Granger

October 11, 2013

Sterling McCall was one of the most generous men I have ever known. I had the great privilege of serving with Sterling on the Round Top Family Library Board of Directors. All of us know that without Sterling that beautiful library would not exist. I think of him every time I walk in the door. He will be truly missed.

October 10, 2013

It was a great honor to know and be neighbors with Mr McCall in Warrenton. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family!

Betsy and Bobby Jones

October 10, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are with the McCall family. Mr. McCall was a pleasure to work for and with. He was a kind, thoughtful and caring employer. He will be missed!!!

Aleta Williams-Chipman

October 10, 2013

My condolences go out to the McCall family. I worked for Mr. McCall at the Toyota and Lexus dealerships. He was such a kind man and will truly be missed by all. May God comfort his family and friends during this difficult time. God Bless!
Bonnie Vargo
Houston, TX

October 10, 2013

I have many great memories of Sterling from our high school days. It was so good to see him and Marianne at our 50th reunion. Please know all the family is in our prayers and thoughts.

Mary Alice "Freddie" Carter

October 10, 2013

Marianne, what stunning news!! I loved that wonderful guy that I went to school with for so many years. May you know the pease that only our Lord can give. May he be in a new life of perfect love and joy with Our Holy Father!

October 10, 2013

My memories are of a wonderful friend who I saw everyday in home room at Lamar High School for3 years. Sterling and I were good friends and I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing. May God give courage to his family to endure the grief and sadness of their loss. My prayers go out to his family....Marlana McClellan (Wilcox)

October 9, 2013

Sterling and I were classmates from Kindergarten through Lamar. His diligence with his route for the Houston Post was probably his introduction to his financial success. I remember well his coming to our door collecting money for our Post subscription. Always upbeat and professional even as a kid! God bless the entire family. He will be missed.

Sally Prince Martin

October 9, 2013

Sterling was my friend through Poe, Lanier, Lamar and Firt Mehtodist Church. My sincere sympathy to the entire McCall family.

Mary Anne Tegge Brunton

October 9, 2013

Sterling and I became friends many years ago in Kindergarten. In later years we enjoyed a fun Alaskan cruise with he and Marianne...I will miss my old friend..May his family feel the peace and comfort of the Holy Spirit during their loss...
Glenda Sue Taylor Hansen

October 9, 2013

My condolences to the family of Mr. MCCALL. May the God of all comfort provide you with whatever is needed so you can cope with your great loss. Also our loving heavenly Father has promised the removal of death and the heartaches it brings.

October 9, 2013

May the God of all comfort help your family to endure during this time of grief.

October 9, 2013

What a great man and friend, a true leader that touched the lives of many. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten. Darrell,Linda and Scott Brooks

DARRELL BROOKS

October 9, 2013

Every time Mr McCall would come to visit us at Goodwill Industries he was always so nice to all of us!What a Blessing & nice memories we all have of Mr McCall hear at Goodwill! Linda Parish

Linda Parish

October 9, 2013

Our prayers go to all of the McCall family. Love,
Constant & Neill Masterson

Neill Masterson

October 9, 2013

John, so very sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers.

Laura Sicola Farris

October 9, 2013

In loving memory of a wonderful person. Remembering all of the nice things we shared THANKS to you Sterling. We will love you and miss you always.

Jory & Patricia Stanley

October 8, 2013

my deepest sympathy to allison mcCall.... who was with her dad as he took off in his red convertible heading off toward the Lord. herta in austria

October 8, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire McCall family
members as well as the Oeland family and McGuirt family.
Both Marianne and Sterling were very much apart of our
family as well. Marilyn, Valerie and Keith

October 8, 2013

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