John Russell (Skip) McCall, III departed this life on February 8, 2020 at Moses Cone Hospital after several months of declining health.  Skip, as he preferred to be called, was born on November 23, 1948 in Davidson County to the late John Russell McCall, Jr. and the late Hellene Daye McCall.   He was educated in the Davidson County Schools, graduating in 1967, the Last Graduating Class of Dunbar Senior High School before integration.  Skip matriculated to Winston Salem State University and was an active member of the WSSU Class of 1971.  This was one of his proudest achievements, You say Ram and we say Skip McCall.  Later his career began as a Drug Prevention Counseling Specialist in Charlotte, NC.

In 1981, Skip relocated to Greensboro to a become a Substance Abuse Prevention Counselor for Greensboro Drug Action Council. His Brother Ron, set Skip up on a blind date with the lovely Linda Butler.  They were married later that year and the rest is history.

Shortly thereafter Skip was promoted to the Director of Prevention & Education for Greensboro Drug Action Council.  While in this role, he rose to the position of the first Black President of the North Carolina Association of Prevention Professionals. In order to expand his regional and national presence as an Educational Consultant the McCall Group was established.  He was instrumental in the merging of several school districts throughout the country including Chattanooga, TN.

After retiring a new career as an announcer for the Dudley High School Basketball and Football teams found him; he instantly became "The Voice of Dudley" announcing all the Panther Basketball and Football games as week as coining the phrase, "It's Panther Time!".  Over the microphone his resounding baritone voice gave lasting nick names to the players and cheerleaders, instantly making them celebrities, another of his proudest achievements. Skip was loved by the players as well as the students, teachers and coaching staff.

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, of 38 years Linda Butler McCall, his only daughter Jennie Russelle McCall, brother Ron (Annette) McCall, grandson Ja'Darius I. McCall, granddaughter J'Deja M. Crockett, great grandson Jayceon X. Crockett, Niece Candace (Joseph) Henderson, nephew Sidney O'Neil McCall, great niece and great nephew, Imani and Javier Henderson. and several cousins. He made many wonderful memories with the entire Butler Family including a host of those who called him Uncle Skip as well as God daughters Sahnye' and Shyvonne Waldrum.

A homegoing celebration will be held on Friday, February 14, 2020 at the Goldie Hargett Memorial Chapel, 905 E. Market Street, Greensboro.  Visitation with the family begins at 2:00 pm followed by the service at 2:30 pm.

Services are entrusted to Hargett Funeral Service, Inc.