E.L. McNeely, 72; Ex-Chairman of Wickes Furniture
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E. L. McNeely, former chairman of Wickes Corp. and communications-oriented Oak Industries, died Sunday at the Green Hospital Cancer Clinic in La Jolla. He was 72.
His career in retailing began with Montgomery Ward in Chicago, where he became divisional merchandise manager before joining Wickes in 1964.
He rose to chairman and chief executive officer of the furniture and home improvement chain in 1969 and retired in 1982. During his tenure, Wickes became the 20th-largest corporation in California. His resignation was triggered by a belief that the company, although ailing at that time, need not go bankrupt.
He joined Oak in 1984 and became its chairman in 1985, overcoming debt to restore the media conglomerate. He was forced out in 1989 by a rival management group in a dispute over profits.
He also served on the boards of several other companies--Dayco Corp., Federal Mogul, National Bank of La Jolla, Pacific Telesis and Transamerica.
McNeely’s volunteer activities included the City of Hope, the Scripps Clinic and the YMCA.
Survivors include his wife, Alice, four children and five grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held Tuesday at 2 p.m. at La Jolla Presbyterian Church.
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