Bill McCall, a longtime industry veteran who worked at Farmland Foods, Armour and Fiorucci Foods, died Saturday, July 15, at the age of 71. For the last 13 years, he was owner and president of McCall Associates Inc. and served as a consultant to the meat industry.

McCall began his career at Armour Food Co./ConAgra in 1972, where he started as a research microbiologist and was promoted up to director of technical services. Upon leaving that company in 1986, he also spent time at Carando, a division of Farmland Foods (director of research and QA, promoted to vice president of operations); Joseph Kirschner Co. (president); Jordan’s Meats (vice president and officer), and Fiorucci Foods Inc. (vice president operations). He belonged to the American Meat Institute and was on the Scientific Affairs Committee, and he was also a past preaident and chairman of the board for the Eastern Meat Packers (19989-91).

McCall was a veteran of the United States Army from 1970-2. He was known as a master fisherman and cook and was always there to support his family and friends. is survived by his wife Marilyn, of 48 years; two sons, William (Pamela Zients) McCall Jr., Stephen (Maureen) McCall; five grandchildren, Madison, Daisy, Aidan, Grace, and Chloe; Siblings, Joan (James) Bergren, Christine (Barry) Lamb, Robert McCall, Michael McCall; and many nieces and nephews.

“Bill was one of the most honest, honorable, and intelligent people I have worked with,” said Fred A. Koelewyn, Vice President of Operations for Quality Sausage Company. “He was a great leader and mentor, but most of all a good friend. His knowledge, organizational and problems solving skills are second to none. Bill was a great boss. His concern for his employees and co-workers extended well beyond the work environment, and included their families as well. He left his imprint on many in the meat industry. He will be missed.”

“Bill was a special guy. He was soft spoken but authoritative, and someone you could trust without hesitation, both personally and professionally,” said colleague Bob Hibbert.

A private memorial service will be held, and in lieu of flowers, memorials to the American Cancer Society would be appreciated by the family. More information is available here.

Source: Thompson Spring Grove Funeral Home, Fred A Koelewyn