William "Bill" E. McNelly

William "Bill" E. McNelly, age 95, of Grove, Okla. passed away on Tuesday, May 14, 2019 at Grove Nursing Center. Bill was born on January 2, 1924 to Frank and Ruth (Ratcliff) McNelly in Bentonville, Ark. Bill entered the work force at a young age and had several different occupations throughout his life, ranging from plant supervisor and construction supervisor. He owned McNelly Wrecker Service and McNelly Hotel in Bentonville. On February 5, 1943, Bill married the love of his life, Buanita Cowden in Wichita, Kan. The couple later made their home in Bentonville, Ark. until moving to Grove in 1987 to be closer to family. While in Wichita, Bill became a member of the 32nd Degree Masons. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Buanita McNelly, one daughter, Tammy Darlene, four brothers and one sister. Left to cherish his memory: daughter, Debbie Shaw and husband, Charlie of Grove, Okla.; grandsons, Jacob Dee, Micah Dee, Weston Shaw and wife, Dani, Ethan Shaw, T.J. Shaw and special friend Marry Morris; many nieces and nephews, five great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Saturday, May 18, 2019 at Nichols-Stephens Funeral & Cremation Services. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 19, 2019 at First United Methodist Church. Pastor Randy Hamill to officiate. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, May 20, 2019 at White Chapel Memorial Gardens in Wichita, Kan. The family request that donations in Bill's honor be made to the Grove Sr. Citizens Center, 145 E O'Daniel Pkwy, Grove, Okla. 74344. Arrangements entrusted to Nichols-Stephens Funeral & Cremation Services, Grove, Okla.