ROCKLAND — Fred Eugene McNealy, 93, died May 5, 2016, at the Sussman House, after a long and blessed life. Fred was the son of Frank and Alma McNealy, born in Clifty Township, Ind., on Dec. 31, 1922.

He was raised on a farm with five brothers and six sisters. Fred enjoyed playing basketball and football for Columbus High School. After graduation, Fred served during World War II in the U.S. Coast Guard.

After the war, and back in Indiana, Fred attended Columbus Christian Church and there met a lab technician, Esther Young from Maine, who worked at Bartholomew City Hospital. After Esther returned to Maine to work a year at the former Knox County General Hospital in Rockland, Fred followed the love of his life and they married at First Baptist Church of Rockland on July 16, 1949. Together they attended Cincinnati Bible College in Ohio. After graduating, soon they returned to Maine, had three children and made their home in Rockland for the rest of their married lives.

Fred's first job in Rockland was at a boat yard in Rockport. He became a talented finish carpenter specializing in kitchen cabinets. He also built houses with his son, Tom McNealy. Throughout his life, Fred devoted much of his time to the church, serving as a deacon, trustee and Sunday school teacher. He and his wife often hosted visiting missionaries in their home to encourage those who desired to share the wonderful hope of their Lord and Savior. With his wife, he enjoyed traveling to many different places, including Ireland, England, Scotland, France, Holland, Switzerland and Germany, and regularly visited his out-of-state daughter and family. Fred liked planting and harvesting his vegetable garden, shoveling in the winter, and enjoyed playing the organ and piano by ear.

Fred was predeceased by his beloved wife of 64 years, Esther F. McNealy, in December 2013. He is survived by three children and their spouses, Jeanette and Bernie Whitehead of Carlsbad, Calif., Thomas and Phyllis McNealy of Owls Head, and Jody and Michael Herbert of Rockland. He is also survived by six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Fred is survived by three sisters, Pauline, Clara Mae and Nelda, all of Indiana; along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends and relatives are invited to visit Monday, May 9, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland, where a funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Pastor Emeritus of Owls Head Baptist Church, the Rev. Harold Carpenter, will officiate. Interment with Military Honors will follow the service at Achorn Cemetery in Rockland. A reception will follow at 104 Limerock Street.