Frederick O. Mckneely

F.O. McKneely Banker/Business Leader Lakeland, Frederick Owen McKneely (F.O., Owen, Mr. Mac, or whatever name you know him by), 96, of Lakeland, FL passed away November 11, 2014, after a period of declining health. He was born April 4,1918, in Monroe County, Forsyth, GA to Miranda Owen and Newsom Ray McKneely. Owen attended Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in 1939, where on his first night in school he met Lonnie Lee Smith, his beloved wife of 72 years. They were married on October 25, 1942, in Macon, GA before him being called to active service in WWII. He was a naval aviator and commanded a PBM Sea Plane in the combat crew L: Love. During the time of his service, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for rescuing his commanding officer and crew who were shot down behind enemy lines. After returning from the War, he obtained his Masters Degree from the University of Georgia in Agricultural Economics. He began his banking career in 1947, with the First National Bank in Macon, GA. In 1958, he moved to Warner Robins, GA with the Bank of Warner Robins. In 1963, he came to Lakeland as President of the First State Bank, which later became Barnett Bank. From January 1, 1963, to May 1, 1983, he served as President and Chairman of the Board for Barnett Bank of Polk County. His passion for the community of Lakeland kept him actively involved in service to others. He was a Rotarian and Paul Harris Fellow. He was instrumental in assisting with the formation of the Leadership of Lakeland Program, and was also a Mason. Owen was a member and Deacon of Southside Baptist Church, and later a member of Lakeside Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, and seven sisters and one brother. His wife, Lonnie Lee, passed away in June of 2014. He is survived by one sister, Betty Jane of Jacksonville, FL, daughter Leesa McKneely Arce, and granddaughter Isabella ""Ibby"" Arce of Lakeland, FL. The family requests that donations in honor of Mr. McKneely be sent to the Florida Baptist Children's Home: 1015 Sikes Blvd. Lakeland, FL 33815. A memorial service will be held Friday, November 14, 2014 at Heath Funeral Chapel at 11:00 AM; followed by interment at Lakeland Memorial Gardens. Service: 11/14/2014 Heath Funeral Chapel 328 South Ingraham Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33801