Richard L Nealis

Nealis, Richard Lafayette "Dick", died early Saturday morning, May 10, 2014. He was born in Gaithersburg, MD, September 5, 1925, the son of James W. and Mary Rose Cornwell Nealis. Dick is survived by his wife Karen of 33 years, son James (Arlene) of Okeechobee, son Mark (Linda) of Avon Park, daughter Susan (Tom) Fisher of Valrico, son Guy of Huntsville, TX, son Harry (Beth) Heins of Monona, IA, and daughter Kathy Rowland (Art) of Okeechobee, twelve grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. At 17 Dick joined the US Navy and served four years. He began his career as an apprentice plumber in 1947. He came to Avon Park in 1972, as a master plumber and established Nealis Plumbing which he worked until retirement in 2005. He served on the City of Avon Park Competency Board and Building Board of Adjustments and Appeals. He also served on the Board of the Chamber of Commerce. He was a member of Noon Rotary for a period of time and later became a charter member of the Avon Park Breakfast Rotary Club. He is a Past Master of Poinciana Lodge No. 227, a member of the Highlands Shrine and Tampa Valley Shrine. He is a 50 year member of Kensington Lodge 198 AFAM Kensington, MD, and a life member (50 yrs+) of UA Plumbers Local #5. Dick was a Methodist and a member of First United Methodist Church of Avon Park. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 13, 2014, 11:00am, at First United Methodist Church of Avon Park with Reverend Gary Pendrak officiating. Family will receive friends beginning at 10:00am. Entombment will be immediately following service at Lakeview Memorial Gardens in Avon Park. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to First United Methodist Church of Avon Park. Services entrusted to: Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home of Avon Park (863) 453-3101 www.stephensonnelsonfh.com