Carla Rae Mcgill, Phd

Dr. Carla R. McGill, PhD, RD, MT (ASCP) BB of Sarasota, FL passed away on December 22, 2024, age 67, at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, MN.

She was born in Minneapolis, MN on July 30, 1957, to Ray and Hilda McGill and lived in Brooklyn Center, MN until 1971 when the family moved to Denver, CO for one year, then landed in Dawson, MN. Carla graduated from Dawson-Boyd High School with honors.

Carla earned a B.S. in biology from Moorhead State University (MN). She worked as a Medical and Blood Bank Technician in Rochester, MN. She moved to Tallahassee, FL and earned a Master of Science in Public Health and Nutrition from Florida State University and became a Registered Dietitian. She earned her PhD in in Nutrition and Food Science from Auburn University (AL). She was a proud Auburn Tiger and followed the teams and other Auburn news closely. War Eagle.

Carla had a productive and varied academic and professional career. She taught and lectured at several different universities. She authored and co-authored many research studies and book chapters, presented at numerous conferences, and made several media appearances including radio and TV. She worked with various companies and educational and government entities and also ran her own consulting firm, Healthy Science Communications, LLC.

She was most passionate about her latest position with the Florida Department of Health in Manatee County. She enjoyed overseeing the community garden located on the Department of Health campus in Bradenton. She worked hard to partner with community members and organizations like the Healthy Start and Early Learning Coalitions of Manatee County. She served on numerous Boards of Directors.

In Sarasota, Carla found her soul mate in Taylor Grant. They shared a love of baseball and were Spring Training Season Ticket holders with many friends in the stands. They travelled extensively, including many Crystal Cruises and Rolling Stones Concerts, including a Stones Concert in Rome, Italy, which was probably Carla’s favorite place to visit. Taylor’s passing in 2020 left a huge hole in Carla’s life.

Carla and Taylor were both cat-lovers and owners when they met and shared their home and hearts with many felines over the years.

Carla was preceded in death by her father Ray, mother Hilda, husband Taylor, and a few kitties, including Spice (Lil’ G) who recently passed away at the age of 20. Carla is survived by her kitty, Tiny Dancer, who now lives with Carla’s brother Chuck and his family in Hudson, WI.

A memorial open house gathering for Carla will be held on Sunday, January 5, 2025, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the Hidden Hollow Condominiums Clubhouse in Sarasota, FL. Memorial Donations to the Healthy Start Coalition of Manatee County or the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County would be greatly appreciated.