John Willis McNees of Columbus, North Carolina passed away on April 21, 2019 at the age of 89. John was born to the late Herbert W. & Alice E. McNees in Edinboro, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Edinboro High School in 1947 and from Penn State in 1951 with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering.John was employed by DuPont from 1951-1988. A highly regarded professional mechanical engineer, John specialized in industrial power plants, boilers and refrigeration units. His work required 7 job transfers, taking John and his family up and down the east coast and west to Texas. A Fellow in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, John helped write national safety codes and standards for power plant boilers.Currently a member of Tryon Presbyterian Church, John served prior churches as a deacon and trustee. He and Esther also enjoyed serving guests at the Seneca, SC food pantry.John was an avid fisherman. He enjoyed bowling and golf, playing bridge and reading. A football fan, John cheered on Clemson and the Carolina Panthers, in addition to his beloved Penn State and Pittsburgh Steelers teams.John & Esther enjoyed traveling through all 50 states, especially the national parks. Road Scholar trips were a favorite. As his vision deteriorated, John most enjoyed walking around Tryon Estates, chatting with friends along the way. John is survived by Esther, his wife of 66 years, and by their three children, Robert McNees (Deborah Haude) of Elmhurst, Illinois; Marianne Hardesty (Myron) of Newark, Delaware; Margaret, "Peggy," Callahan (Kevin) of Huntington, New York and 7 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 26, 2019 at Tryon Estates, Columbus.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, PO Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043, or Tryon Presbyterian Church, 430 Harmon Field Rd., Tryon, NC 28782.
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