Kenneth (Ken) McCalister

Kenneth Eugene McCalister, also known as Kenny, was born on December 13, 1956, at Bethesda Naval Hospital, Bethesda, Maryland. He peacefully passed away on July 13, 2023, at the age of 66 in Madisonville, Tennessee. Kenny's career and personal life were filled with love, dedication, laughter and joy.

In his professional life, Kenny embarked on a fulfilling journey. He began his career working at plant nurseries in Anna Maria Island where he spent many years growing up before moving to Collier County and working for the Collier County Parks Department in the early 2000s before transitioning to several Golf Course Communities in Collier County. However, his true calling came when he moved to Madisonville, Tennessee, where he dedicated six years of his life working in the Kahite Community. Kenny's unwavering commitment to his work led him to retire in 2021, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and passion.

Beyond his professional achievements, Kenny had a vibrant array of hobbies that brought him immense joy. He had a green thumb and took great pride in tending to his beloved garden, nurturing it to produce bountiful fruits and vegetables. Kenny's resourcefulness and determination were evident in his ability to fix almost anything he set his mind to. However, it was his deep passion for his golf course career that truly defined him. His dedication to his craft was unmatched, and he poured his heart and soul into his work.

Kenny's memory will forever be cherished by those he leaves behind. He is survived by his loving wife, Claudia McCalister of Madisonville, Tennessee. Additionally, he is survived by his mother, Patricia Hutchinson, of Clayton, North Carolina; his sister, Diana Burch, also of Clayton, North Carolina; his brother, Tom Hutchinson, and his wife, Eva, of Cleveland, Tennessee; and his sister, Kandy Sweeney, and her husband, Chris, of Marco Island, Florida; his Aunt Barbara & Uncle Skip (Richard) Boyd, cousins Wanda Boyd and Kelly Boyd Wood, and many nieces and nephews.

Kenny was preceded in death by his grandfather, Paul Kelley; his grandmother, Ella Kelley; his brother, Stephen McCalister; and his cousin, Richard Boyd. Their memories will forever be intertwined with Kenny's, creating a tapestry of love and cherished moments.

Kenneth Eugene McCalister, or Kenny as he was fondly known, will be remembered for his dedication to his career, his passion for his hobbies, and above all, his love for his family. May his memory live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

A celebration of Kenny's life will be held at a later date.