Willard Martin O’Neal : Obituary

The Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge announces the death of Mr. Willard Martin O’Neal, age 86, of Copperhill, TN who passed away on Sunday, April 15, 2012 in the Copper Basin Medical Center in Copperhill, TN.Mr. O’Neal was born on January 30, 1926 in Fannin County, GA to the late Rev. Simon and Bonnie Tankersley O’Neal. He retired in 1967 from H.H. Roberson Construction Company. Mr. O’Neal was a member and deacon of Shady Grove Baptist Church in McCaysville, GA. He was preceded in death by his wife, Myrtle Lee Waters; brothers, Albert and Robert O’Neal.

He is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Kenny and Kimberly O’Neal of Copperhill, TN; grandchildren, Austin O’Neal of Copperhill, TN and Samantha and husband, Matthew Allen of Farner, TN; brothers, Carl O’Neal of Blue Ridge, GA, Rev. Melvin O’Neal of Blue Ridge, GA, Rev. Ed O’Neal of Blue Ridge, GA, Newell O’Neal of Jasper, GA and Ronnie O’Neal of Copperhill, TN; sisters, Helen Deal of McCaysville, GA and Charlene Mitchell of Blue Ridge, GA; many nieces, nephews and other relatives also survive.

Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. from the Akins of Blue Ridge Chapel with Rev. Joe Dan Wilkins and Rev. Larry Allison officiating. Music will be by the A.C. Caylor Family, Tammy Kaylor, Elaine Allison and Tara Contardi. Pallbearers will be Chris O’Neal, Scott Deal, Eddie O’Neal, Joey O’Neal, Lamar O’Neal, Kevin O’Neal, Guinn O’Neal and Baron Deal. Honorary Pallbearers will be Dr. Tim Jabaley, Danny Ensley, Tommy Payne and J.B. Mull. Interment will follow in the Payne Cemetery at Shady Grove with Rev. Melvin O’Neal officiating.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday, April 17, 2012 after 11:00 a.m. but especially after 5:00 p.m.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.akinsfunerlhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge is in charge of the arrangements.