William “Bill” Edward McNeely

William “Bill” Edward McNeely, 83, of Morganton, NC passed away on Tuesday, July 19, 2016.  Born on October 7, 1932 in Morganton, he was the son of the late William and Vivian King McNeely.  Bill graduated from Morganton High School in 1951 and Western Carolina University in 1955.  He began his 42 year career in the furniture industry in 1955 with Drexel-Heritage Furniture Company.

Mr. McNeely was a member of First Baptist Church in Morganton where he was active in his Sunday school class and was serving as secretary.  He was previously a member of the Civitan Club, and following retirement Bill volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, the History Museum, and Blue Ridge Healthcare.

He was an avid reader and enjoyed eating out with friends and traveling, especially visiting his children and grandchildren.

Mr. McNeely is survived by his wife of 59 years, Ruth Saunders McNeely of the home; a daughter, Donna McNeely of Raleigh, NC; a son, Eddie McNeely and his wife, Tiffany, of North Myrtle Beach, SC; grandchildren, Molly and Will; and a sister, Aloma McNeely of Morganton.

The family will receive friends from 12:30 – 2 p.m., Thursday, July 21, 2016 in the parlor at First Baptist Church.  The memorial service will follow at 2 p.m. in the chapel of the church with Dr. Thomas A. Bland, Jr. and the Rev. Fred Schuszler officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 459, Morganton, NC 28680 or to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.

The family would like to thank the great people of Grace Ridge Retirement Community, as well as the wonderful staff of Burke Hospice and Palliative Care for their professional and expert care.  Their love and kindness will long be remembered.