Fred McLean, aged 89, of Hudson passed away after an extended period of illness at the Shaire Assisted Living Center on May 25, 2021. Fred was pre-deceased by his wife, Peggy; and his parents and three brothers and two sisters. He is survived by his sons, Fred B. and Wesley McLean, and many extended family members.
Fred was a native of Lenoir and graduate of Lenoir High School and Lenoir-Rhyne College. Fred was a star athlete in high school playing football, basketball and baseball and never missed a day of school in twelve years and played football for UNC for one year. He was a US Army veteran and a member of the US Army Golf Team traveling the world and playing with such notables as former President Eisenhower and Gen. Douglas MacArthur. Fred worked for Lenoir Mirror Company as Head of Operations until retiring after 30 years. He was an exceptional golfer winning many club championships and tournaments at Cedar Rock and Lenoir Golf Clubs and was once considered one of the finest golfers in Western North Carolina and was a good friend to golf pro Chi Chi Rodriguez. Fred also attended 38 Master's Tournaments in Augusta, GA. He was a member of Hudson First Baptist Church for 60 years and had previously served as the Head of the Board of Deacons. Fred had traveled the world with his wife and friends, and his favorite destination was the Alpine town of Berchtesgaden in Bavaria. In his later years, he loved to watch sports on television and particularly any games with his beloved Carolina Tarheels.
Fred now rests peacefully next to his wife, Peggy, and is with our Lord and Savior and the angels in Heaven.
A private graveside service will be held for family and close friends and is arranged by Pendry's Lenoir Funeral Home.
Words of comfort may be expressed to the family at www.pendrysfuneralhome.com.
Pendry's Lenoir Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. Fred McLean
