Bernard R. "Bernie" McNeely, 86, of Charleston, passed away Saturday, December 1, 2012, at St. Francis Hospital, Charleston, after a brief illness.

Bernard was born July 2, 1926, to the late Dell and Hattie (Farrell) McNeely in Seth, Boone County. He graduated from Sherman District High School in 1944 and was soon employed in a beginning position at DuPont's Belle plant. He had only been working there for a few months when he was called up for the U.S. Army, where he was assigned to an Army Security Agency. This was a top secret agency which was primarily concerned with the collection and evaluating of foreign electronic transmissions. He worked for that agency near Washington, D.C., and then in Japan until his release from active duty in 1947, and then was recalled later during the Korean War.

Bernie graduated from West Virginia University School of Business and received a master's degree in managerial accounting from the University of Indiana. Many of his working years were with the Naval Materials Command in Washington, D.C., where he would eventually retire.

He came to Charleston in 1992 and was a member of First Presbyterian Church, where he was active in the finance committee. Bernie was an active member of the American Legion and the Disabled American Veterans. He was a U.S. Army Air Corps and Air Force veteran of World War II and the Korean War. Bernie was also a member of the Charleston Moose and Foot Mad, an old-time music and dance club. He also loved meeting, talking and enjoying long conversations with people. Bernie never met a stranger.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Byron McNeely.

He is survived by his sister, Marcelle M. Bowne of Kanawha City; two nephews, John McNeely of Ashland, Ohio, and Joseph McNeely (Lisa) of Holly, Mich.; two great-nephews, Paul and David McNeely; and one great-niece, Kaitlyn McNeely.

Bernard was very dedicated to his family, especially to his sister, Marcelle. He was a joy to his nephews, great-nephews and great-niece. He will be sadly missed by his family and all of his friends.

Funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, December 4, at First Presbyterian Church, Charleston, with Dr. William G. McCoy and Dr. Jim Roberts officiating. Burial will follow at Boone Memorial Park, Madison.

Friends may call one hour prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 16 Leon Sullivan Way, Charleston, WV 25301; American Cancer Society, 1700 MacCorkle Ave. SE, Charleston, WV 25314; and/or American Heart Association, 162 Court St., Charleston, WV 25301.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.barlowbonsall.com.

Barlow-Bonsall Funeral Home, Charleston, has been entrusted with the arrangements.