Eugene McLean

Eugene Liles McLean, 86, of Rockingham, died Thursday, Aug. 2, 2018 at the home of his daughter in Kentucky. Eugene was born Dec. 8, 1931 in Richmond County, a son of the late John W and Fannie McLean.

Eugene was a member of Beaver Dam United Methodist Church. He shared his faith by serving the Lord — through volunteer activities and by singing as a member of the East Rockingham Men's Chorus. Eugene served his country honorably for thirty three years - first in the United States Air Force, and continuing in the Air Force Reserves. Later, he served as a Master Sergeant in the N.C. Air National Guard Communications Squadron for 33 years in Badin, NC. He was an Industrial Engineer at J P Stevens and Bibb in Rockingham, NC. Eugene was deeply devoted to his faith and his family - a proud grandfather of five and a great grandfather. He served as a member of the American Legion and the Men's club at Beaver Dam. He loved his family and made friends with everyone he met, coaching Little League for several teams including Swink Oil and supporting Boy Scouts in both North Carolina and Kentucky with his three grandsons receiving the rank of Eagle.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Betty Alice Gibson McLean and son Michael Eugene McLean. He is also preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Grady McLean, Earl McLean, and his sister Mary Ellen Saunders. He is survived by his brothers John McLean and James McLean. Eugene is survived by a daughter, Betty Gallagher and husband Ted of Simpsonville, Ky.; a son, John Robert (Bobby) McLean and wife Adelia of Central, SC ; grandchildren, Ben McLean of Raleigh, NC; Drew McLean and wife Mollie of Charleston, SC; Zachary Gallagher, Rachel Gallagher and Jamie Gallagher, all of Louisville, KY; and great-grandson Eli McLean of Charleston, SC.

Funeral services were conducted at 2:00 p.m. Sunday at Beaver Dam United Methodist Church with the Rev. Terry Cornelius officiating. Burial followed at Richmond County Memorial Park. The family received friends from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. prior to the service at the church.

Memorials may be made to Beaver Dam United Methodist Church, c/o Calvin Gibson, 702 McDonald Church Rd., Rockingham, NC 28379 or Richmond County Relay for Life, c/o American Cancer Society, 1901 Brunswick Ave., Suite 100, Charlotte, NC 28207.

Online condolences may be made at www.watson-kingfuneralhome.com.

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