Glenn Thomas O'Neal, Sr.

Glenn Thomas O’Neal, age 92, of Valdosta, passed away on Saturday, February 24, 2018. Born on November 11, 1925, he was one of eleven children to John Robert O’Neal and Maude Lee (McLeod) O’Neal. Glenn will be remembered as a faithful servant of the Lord, for his service to his country, his community, and immeasurable love for his family and friends. A member of Gloryhill Cowboy Church, Glenn lived his life according to; 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 “If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to feed the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.”

Glenn attended Valdosta High School and joined the US Navy in 1943 at 17 years old. He is a World War II Veteran of the Pacific Theater, earning five battle stars on the U.S.S. Wisconsin. After the war, he returned to his home of Valdosta, Georgia. Starting in 1954, Glenn served his community at the Valdosta Fire Department, retiring as a Lieutenant after 39 years of service. James H. Rainwater said of Glenn upon his retirement, “You hear a lot about mother, apple pie, and hot dogs when you talk about America. When you’re talking about the Valdosta Fire Department, you have to mention the O’Neals.”

It was no surprise that to support his large family, he often worked multiple jobs. “Work” - other than his family - is what he loved. Glenn was a farmer in produce, dairy cattle, and beef cattle. He owned the Okra King Produce stand for years which seemed to be a perfect transition into the restaurant business. Chances are if you ever dined at O’Neals on Ashley Street you were greeted by him on his ‘perch’ saying, “I’ve got a good dinner for you today!” Thousands of people have been greeted and fed over the years by Glenn O’Neal. He loved his employees and customers as if they were family.

Glenn was preceded in death by his brothers; John Robert O’Neal Jr., Charles Edward O’Neal, Lonnie James O’Neal, and Earl Lamar O’Neal. His sisters; Thelma Lee Grant, Carrie Estelle Willis, Mattie Lou Schroer, Lena Maude Bennett, Margaret Elizabeth Fredricks, Emily Gertrude Teagle, Mary Clyde O’Neal. Brothers-in-Law; Chuck Caulderwood, Danny Howard, Joe Howard. Sisters-in-Law; Connie Caulderwood and Patsy Howard.

Glenn is survived by his “Sweetheart” of 71 years - June Howard O’Neal, their seven children; Glenn (Jean) O’Neal of Valdosta, Danny (Sharon) O’Neal of Valdosta, Lonnie O’Neal of Valdosta, Gary (Vicky) O’Neal of Valdosta, Pat O’Neal of Lake Park, Glenda (Danny) Croft of Valdosta, Sunnie (Mike) Bland of Valdosta. Their nineteen grandchildren, Jimmy O’Neal, Nicky O’Neal, Katie (Javier) Tienda, Danna (Shane) Giddens, Jeanna O’Neal, Sarah O’Neal, Stephanie (Mark) Daughtry, Steven and Guillermo O’Neal, David O’Neal and Kayla Lyons, Jennifer (Mike) Sumner, Trish (Robert) Rowe, Trey O’Neal, Patrick (Cassie) O’Neal, Michelle (Jeffrey) Behram, Tyler O’Neal, Kristy (Joel) Bailey, Keri (Ryan) English, Bethany (Shane) Lee, and Zachary Bland; sisters-in-law, Glen Ann O’Neal, of Atlanta, and Aileen Howard, of Key West, FL; special niece, Bonnie Johnson of Gainesville, Florida; numerous other nieces and nephews. And seventeen great grandchildren who were dearly loved.

A visitation will take place on Sunday, February 25th from 2-4 p.m.at Gloryhill Cowboy Church, 3170 US Hwy 84 West, Valdosta, GA. Funeral service will be held on Monday, February 26th at 2:00 at Redland Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Redland Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Halcyon Hospice or Gloryhill Cowboy Church. Condolences may be conveyed at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane.