William “Harlan” McCall, 74, passed away Thursday, Dec. 13, 2012, at Tidewell Hospice in Arcadia, Fla. after a valiant fight with numerous health conditions.

He was born Feb. 18, 1938, in Arcadia.

William was a member of First Baptist Church of Nocatee, Fla. He was a graduate of Desoto High School, class of 1956, where he enjoyed baseball, football, and was president of FFA for two years. Harlan was headed to the major league with the Cincinnati Red Legs, who later became known as the Cincinnati Reds. However, an injury kept him from fulfilling that dream. William worked for a short time with the Florida Highway Patrol in Pahokee, Fla. He also served with the U.S. Army National Guard. He spent his early years, until retirement in the financial business, starting with Seaboard Financial Services in Arcadia and retiring from 1st Federal of Florida in Lakeland, Fla. as vice-president over the Consumer Loan Department. Before and after retirement, he enjoyed working the family grove at Joshua Creek and Hwy. 31. Harlan was a loving family man, wonderful friend, boss, and co-worker who thoroughly enjoyed making people laugh. He also enjoyed traveling, especially to the mountains, camping, boating, fishing, cars, and spending time with his family.

Harlan is survived by his dear and loving wife of 50 years, Dorathea Parker McCall; children, Rhonda (Joseph) Alain of Denham Springs, La., Mickey McCall of Sebring, Fla.; brother, Freddie (Patsy) McCall of Arcadia; brother-in-law, Leon (Jackie) Parker of Arcadia; grandchildren, Rachel, Ben, Caleb Alain, Dakota, Gabrielle, Faith McCall; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, William “Leo” McCall, and Lillian Estelle McCall; and siblings, Gwendolyn and Garland McCall.

A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 22, 2012, at First Baptist Church of Arcadia, with an 11 a.m. funeral service to follow. Burial will be at Joshua Creek Cemetery in Arcadia. Online condolences can be made at pongerkaysgrady.com, and the family flowers are from The Valley Florist of Arcadia.

Arrangements are by Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Home.