Former Florida Gov. Buddy MacKay, his wife and grandson at an event. MacKay had 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, and he spent time with all of them.

Former Gov. Kenneth “Buddy” MacKay, who died in his sleep on New Year’s Eve at age 91, had a greater influence on Florida than many people who actually were elected to the office of governor.

Former Florida Gov. Kenneth “Buddy” MacKay, 91, died peacefully during an afternoon nap at his home in Ocala surrounded by his wife and sons on New Year’s Eve, a family spokesman said Thursday.

Former Florida Gov. Buddy MacKay, who lost to Jeb Bush in 1998 but still served 23 days in office after the sudden death of Gov. Lawton Chiles, has died. He was 91.

Kenneth "Buddy" MacKay, Florida's most recent Democratic governor who took office on the death of Gov. Lawton Chiles, has died at age 91.