Earl Benton Mally Jr.

COLONEL, UNITED STATES ARMY, RETIRED

March 29, 1944 – January 27, 2018

This obituary was penned by Earl Mally, who began: Perhaps the only advantage of dying from kidney cancer is that it has given me time to reflect on my life and to be able to pen my own story.

Mine was an exceptionally wonderful life! Born in Jacksonville, my parents were Earl B. Mally, Sr. and Marjorie Fitzpatrick Mally. They were demanding, loving and totally grounded in what it takes to be successful in life. My brother, Martin I. Mally, now deceased, and I were blessed that they chose us as their sons. Mom and Dad decided that Marty and I were perfect candidates for The Bolles School, all male and military, long before it became fashionable. It was a transformative experience, and further underscored my parents’ values for success.

Next came Auburn University, where I joined the Kappa Alpha Order. Wheat Barley! Engineering was just not my thing. I transferred to The University of Florida and have been a huge Gator fan for life. I was president of the KA chapter in my senior year, which meant free room and board! Since there was a draft in place at the time, I joined the Army ROTC unit, where my Bolles training helped me become a Distinguished Military Graduate, and gave me some say in how I served my country. I was commissioned a Second Lieutenant upon graduation.

Then the fun began! Claudia Marie Hart, whom I had known since the 9th grade, and I were married in June, 1968, and we set off on a spectacular 26 year adventure that took us to Holland, Germany, San Antonio, TX, Washington, D.C., Ft. Lee, VA, West Point, NY, Augusta, GA (twice), and Columbia, SC. Lest I forget my all expenses paid round trip ticket to Viet Nam in 1971. I was blessed to use the return portion of that ticket. At every post, I served alongside exceptional men and women whose bonds of service and comradeship are my most treasured memories. Along the way, there were many medals, many ribbons (fruit salad) to decorate my uniforms, but I am most proud of my Bronze Star Medal earned in Viet Nam.

The Army also taught me a trade by sending me to be the hospital administrator at West Point, NY, Ft. Jackson, SC and Eisenhower Army Medical Center in Augusta, GA. And yes, I actually had tickets to the Masters!

In 1984, our precious Melissa Mally Gregory was born and stole my heart at first glance. I am so proud of the beautiful, loving, caring young woman she grew to be. My Melissa will always be Daddy’s little girl.

After 26 years of proudly wearing the Army uniform and serving my country, one final move at taxpayers’ expense brought me home. A short stint with Prudential Health led to my joining a wonderful physician group, the Jacksonville Health Care Group, which later affiliated with Baptist Medical Center. As much as my Army life was rewarding and fun, the next 18 years with Baptist Health were the most satisfying. I was honored to be part of a leadership team that grew and matured Baptist Health with historical development to become the shining star that now serves our community with mission and commitment.

Then two fantastic events: Melissa married Ethan Wright Gregory, a man we adore, in October, 2013, and a beautiful baby boy, Baxter Mally Gregory, was born in November, 2016. Happy and healthy, to Melissa and Ethan: ya’ll done good!

Farewell to my Tennessee brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Victor L. Hart, Jr., and Vickie Valentine, Knoxville, and to my nephew, Victor L. Hart III, Atlanta GA. We shared many happy years vacationing at Pawley’s Island, SC. And farewell to my Jacksonville sister-in-law, Pattie Mally, and my niece and nephew in Texas, Marta Mally Petty and Travis Benton Mally. I loved my family dearly.

To my golfing brothers, my favorite foursome, Thom Borowy, Richard Sisisky, Dan Edelman, and Bill Glenn, may you golf into the sunset at Pablo Creek Golf Club, a truly beautiful and serene golf course. Watch out for the Mally Pine and for Mally Valley! I’ll be there.

I am saddest to leave my beloved wife, Claudia. She has been the most important and happiest part of my earthly journey. I am humbled and grateful for her unconditional love and support. Claudia, you are truly the light of my life!

Claudia and I took many cruises. As I sign off for now, please wish me one final bon voyage!

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the Baptist MD Anderson Medical Director’s Endowment in Memory of Earl Mally, 841 Prudential Drive Suite 1300, Jacksonville, FL 32207,

Visitation will be held from 10:00am to 11:00am on Thursday, February 8, 2018 in Mandarin United Methodist Church. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00am on Thursday, February 8, 2018 in Mandarin United Methodist Church, 11270 San Jose Blvd. 32223.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of HARDAGE-GIDDENS FUNERAL HOME OF MANDARIN, 11801 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223. www.hgmandarin.com (904) 288-0025.