In Memory of

Brother Neal McGlamery

September 15, 1917 - April 20, 2003

Obituary

Rev. Neal Vannoy McGlamery, 85, of 5101 Barrier Georgeville, Rd., Mt. Pleasant, died Sunday, April 20. Rev. McGlamery was born September 15, 1917, son of the late Benjamin Alexander and Ida Belle Herbert McGlamery. He grew up in Hayesville N. C., graduated from Berry College in 1939, and then was employed by the USDA Farm and Home Security Commission. During his service in the U. S. Air Force from 1941-1945, he served in Louisiana, Texas, and New Mexico as a clerk and assistant chaplain. He received his Divinity Degree from Duke University and his Masters of Theology from Emory University.

He served as pastor to Love’s Chapel and Love’s Grove United Methodist Churches in Stanfield, N. C. and then to the Brevard N. C. circuit while he was employed at Brevard College as a professor. While attending UNC Chapel Hill for his doctorate, he became employed as Wesley Foundation director at Fairmont United Methodist Church, Raleigh from 1955-1975. Upon retiring, he moved to Mount Pleasant and served as pastor to Yadkin, Mount Carmel, and Boger United Methodist Churches in the Salisbury District. During his employment, he was active in the Optimist Club, Lions Club, the Ministerial Association of the Western N. C. Conference, and The Golden Chain.

Survivors include Julia Edith Barrier McGlamery, wife of 61 years; son, Neal Vannoy McGlamery and wife Linda of Mt. Pleasant; and daughter, Julia and her husband, Alex of Charleston, S. C. Grandchildren include Roland McGlamery and wife Dana; Leah Leslie and husband Michael; Laura Million and husband Richard; Russell Marshall, Caroline Marshall, and Neal Marshall. Great grandchildren include Jordan Turner, Madison McGlamery, Meredith McGlamery, Ian Leslie, and Alora Leslie. Neal is survived by brother Edward Lee McGlamery of Asheville. Brothers, Herbert Alexander, Wiley Abbot, Bennie Lee, and Ralph Loftus preceded him in death.

Neal’s life was the testimony of his faith. His loving spirit and dedication to young people touched and influenced countless lives. His guidance with the college students at Wesley Foundation pioneered work by youth in the service to the local needs of the community. Reflecting the esteem with which he was held, over 200 marriages were performed by him, earning “Brother Neal” the title of “Marrying Sam.” His memory will be cherished for his enthusiasm, engaging wit, true interest in others, positive outlook, dedication, devotion, and his prayerful life.

Memorials may be made to Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church Building fund, P. O. Box 237, Mt. Pleasant, N. C. 28124, Raleigh Wesley Foundation Alumni Association, for the McGlamery Endowment Fund, C/O Camille Smith, RWFAA Treasurer, at 4007 Burke Station Road, Fairfax, VA  22032-1003.