Steven McNeely

Steven Lynn McNeely

MOUNT ULLA - Steven Lynn McNeely, 83, of Mount Ulla, passed away Sunday, April 7, 2013, at Genesis Healthcare of Salisbury.

He was born on July 10, 1929, in Rowan County, to the late Dave McNeely and Effie Menius McNeely. He worked for Burlington Industry and Douglas Aircraft and later retired from Celanese with 26 years of service. After retirement he worked part time for Cavin-Cook Funeral Home.

Mr. McNeely was a volunteer fireman for several years with Mount Ulla and Bear Poplar, where he served as commissioner. He was a lifelong member of Back Creek Presbyterian Church, where he severed as Elder and Deacon, Sunday School superintendent and was on the cemetery committee. He also took two trips with the Mexico Mission Team. In 1996, he received the Menius Excellence Award.

Mr. McNeely was a member of Scotch Ireland Masonic Lodge, where he was a lifetime member in 1991. He was honorary member of Andrew Jackson Lodge 576, Mason of the year in 1996 and 2003, was outstanding Mason for the last 50 years in 2003. In 2011, he received the 50-year Veteran Emblem, served as treasurer for 15 years and served as Master 1970 and 1983.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters Bernice Newton and Edith LaRue; and brothers J. Troy McNeely and D.S. McNeely Jr.

He is survived by his wife, Noreen Helms McNeely, who he married March 18, 1949. They were married 64 years, and theirs is the love story like "The Notebook." He chose to spend his last days with Noreen who is also in Genesis. His love for family and friends was an example to live by and to teach his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Their children are Michael McNeely (Linda), Teresa McNeely Robison (Lee), Vanessa McNeely Boan; 10 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.

Service: Funeral services will be held at 12 p.m. Wednesday, April 10 at Back Creek Presbyterian Church with Rev. Bill Thrailkill officiating. Burial will follow the service in the church cemetery.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Masonic Home for Children at Oxford, 600 College St., Oxford, NC 27565; and/or Masonic & Eastern Star Home, 700 S. Holden Road, Greensboro, NC 27407.

Cavin-Cook Funeral Home, Mooresville, is serving the McNeely family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook. com.