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Hector MacLean Obituary

LUMBERTON - Hector MacLean, of Lumberton, died peacefully at his home on Pearl Harbor Day, Dec. 7, 2012. He was born Sept. 15, 1920, a son of the late Gov. Angus Wilton McLean and Margaret French McLean. He was predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Lyl Warwick MacLean. Mr. MacLean was also a brother to the late Margaret McLean Shepherd and Angus Wilton McLean Jr. He is survived by his only child, Lyl MacLean Clinard and her husband, Aaron, of High Point; grandchildren, Lyl MacLean Clinard Kluttz and her husband, Bill, of Newport, R.I., and Aaron Neal Clinard Jr. and his wife, Betsey, of High Point; and three great-grandsons of whom he was very proud: Aaron Neal Clinard III, William Clarence Kluttz IV and Rudduck Mendenhall Clinard. He is also survived by his nephew, John Calvin Shepherd of Greenville, S.C.; and two nieces, Lee Shepherd Gurtin of Berwyn, Pa., and Martha Godwin Shepherd of Decatur, Ga.; along with several grandnephews and grandnieces. During his 92 years, Mr. MacLean proudly and unselfishly lived a life of service to many. Privately, he benefited family and friends in gifts of his time, talents and assets. Publicly, he served in numerous leadership roles for the First Presbyterian Church of Lumberton (including elder emeritus), the Presbyterian hierarchy of government, the city of Lumberton, the State of North Carolina and his nation. As a graduate of Davidson College and while attending the Wharton School of Business, he volunteered at the outset of World War II. This patriotic service included being a captain in Gen. George Patton's Third Army during its successful campaigns in Europe. At the conclusion of those perilous times, he was honorably discharged with the rank of major and a Bronze Star Award to begin his life of public service. Upon his return from military service, Mr. MacLean successfully completed law school at the University of North Carolina, whereupon he opened a law practice in his hometown of Lumberton. After only a few years, he was called upon to lead as its president the National Bank of Lumberton, an institution founded by his father in 1897. This was the beginning of a long history of success in the banking industry, continuing until his retirement, serving as president and later CEO from 1955-1990. He led the bank's efforts in one of the early banking models of mergers and acquisitions under the banner of Southern National Bank. This multi-state corporation at his retirement led shortly thereafter to the merger of equals with BB&T. Mr. MacLean's political career included service as mayor of Lumberton and a state senator in the N.C. Legislature. As a state senator for 10 years, he proudly sponsored bills that led to Pembroke State College becoming a part of the UNC System and the establishment of the N.C. Zoo. In the field of education, Mr. MacLean distinguished himself at UNC-CH as president and founder of the Medical Foundation of NC for 22 years and recipient of the University's Distinguished Service Award; St. Andrews Presbyterian College as its founding chairman of the board of trustees and the recipient of its honorary doctor of humane letters degree; Davidson College's Board of Visitors; UNC-Pembroke's honorary doctor of humane letters degree and its Alumni Association's Distinguished Service Award; and a trustee at Union Theological Seminary. Today, most of these institutions have in his honor Hector MacLean scholarships. Out of his passion for history, Mr. MacLean dedicated countless hours as chairman of the Council of the Thirteen Original States, trustee of the U.S. Constitution Council, founding chairman of the Robeson County Historical Drama Association, which produced the outdoor drama "Strike at the Wind," president of the Presbyterian Historical Foundation, chairman of the N.C. Bicentennial Commission, DAR Medal of Honor recipient, and an early member of the St. Andrews Society of NC. Among his many honors were his induction into the N.C. Business Hall of Fame, an award of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine and the naming of Interstate 95 through Lumberton as the "Hector MacLean Highway." The family wishes to recognize these special caregivers, who for many years devoted their time, energy and love like family to Mr. MacLean: Jennifer McLean, Lillie Galloway, Carl Baxter, Jackie Perry and Mary Washington. Friends and family will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 10, 2012, at the home, 2101 N. Elm St., Lumberton. The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012, at First Presbyterian Church in Lumberton, with interment in Meadowbrook Cemetery immediately after the service. The family has requested that gifts or memorials be directed to either First Presbyterian Church, Lumberton; N.C. Museum of History Foundation; or St. Andrews College, Laurinburg. Services entrusted to Biggs Funeral Home of Lumberton.

Published by Fayetteville Observer on Dec. 9, 2012.
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Offering our deepest sympathies during this time.

The Staff of Biggs Funeral Home

December 11, 2012

Dear Lyl and Aaron,

I have had you both along with Hector and "Big Lyl" so much on my mind and in my heart since I heard the news last night. You were all such a vital part of my childhood and make up a big segment of my earliest and fondest memories of growing up in Lumberton. Hal and I are both so very sorry for the loss of one of the finest and the best. He will be missed, but never forgotten. Love, Amanda

Amanda Demarest

December 9, 2012

My condolences to Lyl, Aaron and the entire Hector MacLean family. When remembering Hector I am reminded not only of his exceptional public service but of the countless number of individuals in peril whose lives he quietly and unassumingly so positively touched by his caring, encouraging and charitable acts and deeds.

Doug Murray

December 9, 2012

Lyl, we extend our thoughts and prayers to you, Aaron and your whole family upon the passsing of your father. Mr. McLean was a true Scot and a humanitarian to all. We were lucky to have known him. Chandler and Louisa Stewart

December 9, 2012

Mr. McLean was such a fine gentleman. Family and friends have my condolences. With much respect.

Audrey Johnson

December 9, 2012

His kindness to my mother and to our family when she worked in the bank cafeteria will always be remembered. I doubt anyone could count his many quiet acts of extraordinary kindness. Prayers for all of you.

Ann Bellamy Russell

December 8, 2012

Lyle and Aaron, I am so sorry for your loss. Your Dad was a wonderful humanitarian and a good friend. I will miss him.

Laurie Currie

December 8, 2012

Dear Lyl & Aaron & family,
Thinking of you in this time of sorrow. We have many fond memories of your father. Love and prayers, Drina & Neill

December 8, 2012

Lyl,
So very sorry to hear of your father's passing - he was a life-long friend to my parents and provided me with fond memories of our years in Lumberton. With deepest sympathy....Johnny Campbell

John Campbell

December 8, 2012

Lyl & Aaron -
The entire Lennon family is with you in spirit.
Best,
George & Betty Anne

December 8, 2012

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