Lynn Allen McCann, age 83 of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida passed away on October 18, 2025 at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. Lynn was born May 4, 1942 in DeKalb, Illinois, the son of Kenneth and Gladys (Anderson) McCann and brother of Richard McCann. He graduated from DeKalb High School and Northern Illinois University where he played linebacker on a record setting football team and earned Little All-American honors.
He was drafted to play in the NFL for the Minnesota Vikings. His aspirations were cut short due to an injury and he took his love of teaching and coaching to Pekin, Illinois. Another career was on the horizon and he jumped into it with all of his gusto and drive. He joined his father-in-law’s company and learned the world of printing and later took that skill and passion to start his own business, Lampro Graphics. He successfully grew the company and when the time was right, sold it to move on to the next chapter in his life.
Lynn was a dreamer and always wanted to get back to his ancestral roots of farming. He took the bull by the horns, literally, and started breeding Brangus Cattle on “The Farm” in Ocala, Florida. After 20 years, a heartfelt decision to sell the cows and retire was the next challenge Lynn set his sights on.
After relocating to a community to focus on golf and relaxation, Lynn took the opportunity to bring a new activity and all the excitement of croquet to The Plantation in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. This endeavor occupied his every waking hour to make this a treasured sport for all in the community. The passion he brought to all he did showed with the success of businesses he started that grew and ultimately sold. The leadership Lynn had was evident as he was president or chairperson of many industry organizations. He strived to make everything he touched a learning experience for all and lived by these words, “if you stick your neck out to produce quality work it can spell success”.
Lynn married his college sweetheart, Judy, and raised 3 daughters in Naperville, Illinois. He coached and participated where he could with their various activities. After a long battle with juvenile diabetes, his wife succumbed to the disease and left him with grown children, a successful business and an aching heart ready to share his love of life.
Lynn didn’t expect to find that love on a golf trip to Arizona with some friends, but Lynn met the beautiful Mary K. Weir lounging by the pool. Sparks flew and their romance blossomed. They wed in 1993 surrounded by family on the Caribbean Island of St. John and have spent the past 33 years sharing a love of exciting travel destinations and golf trips that took them all over the world. Each adventure strengthened their love for each other as they started their journey in Illinois and Michigan and relocated to North Carolina and ultimately put their roots in the ground in Florida. Lynn and Mary welcomed family and friends to their farm, beach house and home for many holidays and celebrations.
Their union brought together five grown children who continue to expand their families. Lynn and Mary gave their young grandchildren opportunities to experience destinations and adventures most only dream of and they each have enjoyed sharing their life accomplishments as they have grown.
Lynn was always a text, phone call or email away from everyone whom he met. He would lend a hand to anyone down on their luck or needing some good advice and felt every challenge in life should be met with 100% effort. One of his favorite sayings was – “if it is to be, it is up to me.” Ten small words that meant so much to him.
Lynn is survived by his wife, Mary; his three daughters, Terra (Mike) Ade of Egg Harbor, New Jersey; Julie (Keith) Beggs of Naperville, Illinois; Cindi (Steve) Gilbertson of Poynette, Wisconsin; stepson Brit (Megan) Gordon of Atlanta, Georgia; stepdaughter Katey (Josh) Foster of Walden, Vermont; six grandchildren Jenna (Craig) Eppler, Austin (Teresa) Beggs, Mason (Kara) Beggs, Forrest (Amber) Gilbertson, Ilena (Austin) Moore, Brit Foster and five great grandchildren Charlotte, Jackson, Ellie, John and James. He is also survived by his best friend, dog Max, and many members of his extended family.
Memorial gifts may be made in memory of Lynn Allen McCann to Mayo Clinic Jacksonville.
