Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

March 28, 2025

CHARLOTTE – John Maxwell McNeary was born September 20, 1938, and died on March 28, 2025, at his home, with his wife Lydia by his side.

In September of 1938, his young parents fled Boston in the face of an approaching hurricane, seeking refuge at their parents' homes in Philadelphia in anticipation of Jack’s arrival. Remarkably, Jack and the Great New England Hurricane arrived in Philadelphia at the same time.

From the very beginning, Jack’s connection with nature was undeniable. He grew up surrounded by the outdoors, camping, hiking, picnicking with family, and learning to sail with his father and older brother. Along with his siblings, Wilson and Jane, Jack spent countless hours exploring the original Nature Museum and enjoying afternoons at Wing Haven with the Clarksons. He also immersed himself in Scouting at Myers Park Presbyterian Church, beginning as a Cub Scout and eventually earning his Eagle Scout rank and Order of the Arrow in Troop 55 at age 13.

After graduating from Myers Park High School, Jack spent his summer working in a pea cannery in Washington with his best friend and then hitchhiked home by way of Canada and Mexico. Jack went on to attend Duke University, where he founded the sailing club and joined the ROTC. He spent the summer after his sophomore year working on a 56-foot sailboat, racing out of the Hamptons but memorably from Newport to Bermuda, where they saw the original Sputnik overhead. He graduated from Duke with a degree in Botany and some graduate work in forestry, then joined the Air Force. While stationed in Charleston, SC, and for two years in Istanbul, Turkey, Jack continued to pursue his love of sailing.

Following his discharge from the Air Force, Jack chose to forgo his return home from Istanbul, opting instead for a six-month hitchhiking adventure from Turkey to England. Adding this journey to his previous travels, he earned the dubious distinction of hitchhiking over 15,000 miles.

Upon returning home, Jack worked with Bartlett Tree Company in Maryland before being transferred back to Charlotte, where he met Lydia Alexander at a dance, beginning a new adventure lasting more than 58 years. Soon after their marriage, Jack started his own business, McNeary’s Arborists, Inc. He became a Consulting Arborist and served as president of the American Society of Consulting Arborists, in addition to being actively involved in the National Arborist Association and the International Society of Arboriculture. He was also an original member of the Charlotte Tree Commission.

Jack was also a founding member of both the Myers Park Homeowners Association, where he served on its board from its inception until his death, and the Metrolina Business Council. He was a lifelong member of Myers Park Presbyterian Church and belonged to the aptly named and much-loved Fellowship Class.

A passionate sailor, Jack was one of the founding members of the Lake Norman Yacht Club and helped select its site. He and Lydia raced together for many years until their daughter, Lennox, was old enough to join them as a crew member. Then, Jack and Lennox spent many additional years racing together.

Jack had always enjoyed fishing, but in his later life, he developed a new passion for fly fishing. He became active in Trout Unlimited, relishing the opportunity to teach others how to fish and to tie flies, which he did in the winter months until his health prevented it.

Much like his mother, brother, and sister, Jack was also an avid gardener. Even after moving to Southminster, he continued to nurture his garden and loved sharing the fruits of his labor—often offering fresh lettuce to fellow residents.

He channeled his love of nature into his concerns about homelessness by establishing the garden at Crisis Assistance and teaching gardening skills to neighbors there, now known as Roof Above.

He was predeceased by his parents, William James Lippincott McNeary and Elizabeth Jane Green McNeary; his brother, William Wilson McNeary II; and his sister, Jane Green McNeary. He is survived by his loving wife, Lydia; much-loved and loving daughter, Lydia Lennox McNeary Keyes (David Keyes); grandson, Wilson Rutledge Keyes, all of Roanoke, VA; sisters-in-law Peggy Drake McNeary, Cape Girardeau, MO, and Charlotte Alexander Fischer, Lynchburg, VA; godson, Peter Marriott (Jessica); and bonus family Silja Muehlebach, Zurich; Charlotte Ring, Vancouver; Johanna Schoenecker, Cambridge, UK; Kimberly Thiede, Frankfurt; and Alvan Makoundi-Tchibinda (Olivia), as well as many much-loved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

The family is especially grateful to his caregivers, Reggie Taylor and Nate Igene, and his physical therapist Amy Whelan, whose loving care and expertise allowed Jack to live comfortably and happily in his home. They are also deeply grateful to his physician, Dr. Jason Brancato, whose compassionate care gave Jack the gift of a long and fulfilling life. We also thank Berry Davidson, whose help with his adored and adoring Giant Schnauzer Gus was invaluable.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Jack McNeary will be held on Saturday, April 26th, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Southminster. The family will receive visitors at a reception after the service. For those unable to attend in person, the service will be livestreamed by Southminster.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Roof Above, PO Box 31335, Charlotte, NC 28231, the Southminster Community Fund, 8919 Park Rd, Charlotte, NC 28210,or the charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28204 (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com

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