William McNelly passed away April 25, 2016, at his home in Napavine. William was born Aug. 17, 1924, to Charles and Cora (Rose) McNelly in Winlock, Wash.
In 1942, he joined the U.S. Navy and a year later he married Velma Lehman. William left the Navy in 1945 and then, settled with his new wife in San Diego, Calif. Together, he and Velma had two sons, James and Richard. In 1980, they moved back to Napavine, Wash.
Throughout his life, William was very active in the Napavine Community. He helped with the booster club and the building of the Napavine High School football stadium. William was a founding member of the Veterans Memorial Museum in Chehalis, as well as an active member of the Lions Club, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans and the American Legion. He was also a founder of the Valle De Oro Bank in Spring Valley, Calif.
William enjoyed many things in life, some of his favorites were carpentry, fishing, model trains, airplanes and antique cars.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Cora; wife, Velma; siblings Johnny, Edgar, Rachel, Floyd and Richard; and granddaughter, Cara.
He is survived by his children, James McNelly (Marianna) and Richard McNelly (Elaine); grand-children, James McNelly Jr. (Julie), Krista Perry (Aaron) and Chanell McNelly; eight great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Delia McNelly and Marie McNelly; as well as several nieces and nephews.
A viewing will be held Friday, May 6, 2016, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at Cattermole Funeral Home in Winlock. A military graveside service will be held Saturday, May 7, 2016, at 2:00 p.m., at the Napavine Cemetery. A potluck reception to follow at the Trinity Rebekah Lodge in Napavine.
Arrangements are under the direction of Cattermole Funeral Home in Winlock.
