George Byard McEwen III

Chip McEwen, a man who was larger then Life, died unexpectedly on May 26, 2021, with his family beside him. Everyone loved being around Chip. He was brilliant, gutsy, funny and the life of the party. Chip was successful at everything he did. But, his greatest accomplishment was raising his daughter Katie and stepson Terry with love, passion and a lot of patience.

Chip was born and raised in Sumter South Carolina, to Lanita Burroughs and Mac McEwen. He attended Wilson Hall, then onto University of Alabama to play baseball. He graduated from University of South Carolina, a Kappa Sigma brother with a Biology degree.

Chip worked for Baxter Health Care, in Columbia S. Carolina, before moving to Florida in 1994 to set up the IV infusion program for Lee Memorial Hospital. In 1999 he left Lee to become the SE Regional Director for Amedisys, opening IV infusion offices in 5 states. He eventually opened his own companies in Ft Myers.

In 1996 Chip met his wife of 24 years Debbie, and their daughter was born in 1998. He took the responsibility of being a good parent seriously with both Katie and Terry.

Chip was an avid hunter and fisherman. His love for adventure and the outdoors took him all over Africa, Alaska, Canada, North and South America. He was a lifetime member of Safari Club International and loved going to the conventions every year to buy those special hunts donated by professional hunters.

Chip loved his dogs and most of his horses. From age 13 he owned hunting dogs and went to work for Delma Hazzard as her bird boy. Chip owned many Field Champions and Amateur Field Champion Labrador retrievers.. He retired his last dog “Shooter” in 2016 after his run in the NARC At 9 yrs old, bringing him home to sit by his side. Shooter recently passed away at 14 yrs of age.

In 1998 Chip was given an English Pointer. It was just the enticement he needed to compete in Field Trials for quail. After his first walking trial, he came home with a picture of 2 horses. “Look what I bought today”. That became his favorite statement, along with “ask forgiveness not permission”.

His competitive spirit, along with a group of guys who he loved being around, led him to own Miller’s On Line (Jack) and Miller’s Southern Pride (Rod). Both dogs won multiple championships. Jack won the National in 2004 and became Purina Dog of the Year in 2005-2006. Both dogs are in the Bird Dog Hall of Fame.

The 2 horses he bought, took us in a different direction. He bought property in Alva and built a horse breeding facility. In 2001 he purchased Private Practice a NY bred, Kenny Lejuene and Gary Contessa trained the horse and won successfully with him and many others. In 2013

,Chip started the Wounded Warrior Stables, with Gary as the trainer, they made it to the Kentucky Derby in 2014 with Uncle Sigh. The experience of a lifetime shared with a group of Wounded Warriors Task Force Dagger Veterans and friends . Uncle Sigh sure put on a thrilling show. Chip lived every moment of life to the fullest. Slowing down slightly in 2015, but he still managed to continue building the cattle business he started for his Daughter Katie and a legacy she is proud to continue.

Chip leaves behind his wife Debora, daughter Katie(Cody), stepson Terry(Billie), father Mac McEwen(Gloria), sister Laura Fogarty(Tim), many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles cousins, and hundreds of cherished friends. If you ever had the chance to spend time with Chip McEwen he would make an unforgettable mark on your heart. We love and miss him so much. Rest In Peace My Best Friend Sweetheart ❤️you earned your angel wings

Donations can be made to the Bird Dog Hall of Fame, Task Force Dagger Foundation, the Florida Cattleman Association or the Lee County 4H program, in lieu of flowers. The celebration of life will be scheduled in the future.