William Augustus McLean (Bill), 82, of Rowland, N.C. passed away on Thursday, January 7, 2021 at his home with his family.
Born May 6, 1938, in Robeson County, he was the son of the late William Hobson McLean and Myrtle Knox McLean. He is a graduate of Maxton High School, Maxton, N.C. and served in the U.S. Army in Fairbanks, Alaska from 1961-1963.
Bill was an outdoors man, and in his younger days, Bill enjoyed quail hunting and fishing. He was always interested in learning and was an avid reader.
He was an employee of Pioneer Hi-Bred Seed Company for 40 years serving in later years as Assistant Plant Manager.
After retiring from Agri-business, he enjoyed woodworking and boat building. He built a boat he had dreamed about-22 ft. Simmons Sea Skiff. The boat was very successful on the Wooden Boat Show Tour.
Bill was an active member of First Baptist Church of Rowland, N.C. for over 50 years serving as a deacon and a longstanding Sunday School teacher of the Clomen class.
Both sons, William and Lee, played sports and he was a devoted supporter of them in their sports adventures. Bill served as a volunteer coach for Kiwanis Club and coached other baseball leagues.
Bill was presented an award by the Dillon Kawanis Club- “Non-Kiwanian Volunteer of the year 1995-96.”
For his funeral Bill chose Psalm 23, “The Lord Is My Shepherd” for scripture reading saying that it covers everything about life from “beginning to end.”
Bill was often referred to as “Daddy Bill” by his younger friends. A true southern gentleman, Bill was a kind, generous person who contributed his time and talents to benefit his community and others. He enjoyed a challenge and was always searching for projects to do. He will be remembered for his strong work ethics.
One of his joys was his family and friends. He was a loving husband, devoted father, and grandfather. He believed that Christian living and family legacy are very important and especially important for future generations.
Bill was labeled a “self-taught chef” preparing food for small and large groups with menus of B-B-Q, slaw, seafood, homemade biscuits and “lacey” cornbread. His country cooking was enjoyed by many and he enjoyed watching people partake and enjoy the food.
Bill is sometimes remembered for his sayings or quotes: “Do something right the first time then you don’t have to do it again,” “You get what you accept,” Definition of Stupidity-Keep doing the same thing the same way and expect results to change,” “Advice to retiring people- Retire to something you are interested in or would like to do,”
William A. McLean (Bill) is survived by his wife of 51 years, Kay Rogers McLean, his sons, William Gentry McLean (Holly) of Stanley, N.C. and Alexander “Lee” McLean (Lauren) of Wilmington, N.C., his grandchildren, Will, Erin and Ellis, brothers, John “Jack” McLean (Margaret) of Maxton, N.C. and Sam Knox McLean (Gail) of Statesville, N.C., brother-in-law, Kenny Rogers of Hamer, S.C., cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Bill is preceded in death by a sister, Joan McLean Thompson.
Graveside services to be held Wednesday, January 13, at 2:00 p.m., Mt. Moriah Cemetery at 1248 Mt. Moriah Rd. Maxton, NC where a lot of his ancestors are buried. (Located between Rowland and Maxton, N.C.)
In the spirit of helping others, donations may be given in Bill’s memory to Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina, Attn: Michael C. Blackwell, P.O. Box 338 Thomasville, N.C. 27361-9911.
COVID restrictions and the family requires face masks and social distancing.
Services entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Rowland.
