Richard "Dickie" Allen McCall was born on April 18, 1935, in Augusta, Georgia, to the late Mildred Lee Berk and David Hayden Arp. From a young age, Dickie embodied a love of life and a devotion to his family that carried him through his remarkable 89 years. A cherished father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he found joy in NASCAR and motocross, photography, and cheering for his beloved Miami Dolphins and Florida Gators. Yet, above all, his family held the most significant place in his heart, and he treasured every moment spent with them.
At just one year old, Dickie and his family moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. His early memories included traveling with his mother in the rumble seat of a Model A Ford—a testament to the simpler times that shaped his character. He graduated from Fort Lauderdale High School and, soon after, answered the call to serve his country. Dickie spent two years as a mechanic in the United States Army, stationed in England. There, he fulfilled a lifelong dream of attending the famed Isle of Man TT motorcycle race, even working as part of a pit crew—a highlight he would often recall with pride.
Upon returning to the U.S., Dickie enrolled at the University of Florida before embarking on a fulfilling career with Griffin Brothers Company, where he discovered his passion for horticulture and landscape design. In 1958, he married his lifelong partner, Barbara Ann Hammer, with whom he shared 66 years of love, laughter, and adventure. Together, they raised four children and created a home filled with warmth and purpose. After 27 years at Griffin Brothers, Dickie joined the family business, McCall Nursery & Landscape, where he continued his landscaping career until retiring in 1997 after 16 years of service.
Throughout their marriage, Dickie and Barbara were inseparable, sharing countless projects, gardening, landscaping, hobbies, vacations, and volunteer efforts. The consummate handyman, Dickie could always be found bringing Barbara’s creative ideas to life, whether through home improvement endeavors or their shared love of outdoor spaces. They were a team in every sense, tackling tasks—where spirited discussions often ended with Barbara’s creative touch—or embarking on their next adventure. Their daughter, Leslie Schroeder, fondly recalls the surprise of finding them sitting still in front of the television one day, only to discover they were planning their next undertaking: remodeling the entertainment center—a perfect encapsulation of their boundless energy and passion for creating together.
In their later years, Dickie and Barbara poured their hearts into restoring the Old Davie School, a historic site dear to Barbara, who had attended school there as a child. For decades, they dedicated themselves to its preservation, leaving an indelible mark on the campus. Dickie’s craftsmanship is evident in every corner, from the butterfly garden and display walls to the replica pioneer home and numerous restoration projects, each completed with care and dedication. His handiwork will continue to inspire future generations.
Dickie is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara Ann Hammer McCall; his sister, Virginia Coors; his brother, David Arp; his four children: Richard Allen Jr., Leslie and her husband Alan, Ralph and his wife Margie, and Stephanie and her husband Matt; nine grandchildren: Kaylee and her husband Andres, Zachary and his wife Vanessa, Barbara and her husband Paul, Jordan, Rikki and her husband Richard, Kyle and his wife Hannah, Taylor, Alyssa, and Therese and her husband Andrew; seven great-grandchildren; and his nieces, Cheryl and Michelle.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Charles Berk, his niece Tricia, and his parents.
Though he may no longer be with them, Dickie’s boundless energy, passion for life, and the countless memories he created with his family will live on in their hearts. His legacy of love, creativity, and dedication to both family and community will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him. His legacy will forever be etched in the lives of his family and the community he helped to shape.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Old Davie School, a cause that was close to Dickie’s heart. https://olddavieschool.org/give/
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