John William O’Neal
John William O’Neal, 83, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend passed away on March 7, 2022, after a brief illness in the hospital in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. He resided in Pawleys Island, South Carolina.
John was born in Chattanooga, Tn., on Oct. 5, 1938, to Gordon R. and Hazel (Williams) O’Neal. He grew up at the foot of Lookout Mountain, Tn., in the historic St. Elmo neighborhood. John had very fond memories of school days spent at South St. Elmo Elementary, Lookout Jr. High and City High School. (A posthumous “thank you” to the late City High School Principal, Colonel Creed F. Bates, an esteemed educator, mentor and champion of John’s, who often gave John rides home after football and wrestling practice, so John didn’t have to walk up the mountain after dark.)
At Chattanooga’s City High School, John was a proud member of the Dynamo Class of 1956, was crowned May King, and was named “Best All-Around Boy” by the class of ’56. John was appointed to the United States Military Academy at West Point and graduated with a B.S. in Engineering in 1962. He later earned a master’s degree in English in 1971 from the University of Pennsylvania.
As a U.S. Army Airborne Ranger, John continued his military service with tours in Aschaffenburg, Germany and two tours in Vietnam, where he was awarded two Bronze Stars, a Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman’s Badge (CIB), Air Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross.
After Vietnam and tours at Ft. Benning, GA and Ft. Dix, NJ, John returned to his revered alma mater, the United States Military Academy at West Point, to serve as an Instructor and Assistant Professor of English from 1971-1974. Following his assignment at West Point, he was assigned to Ft. Leavenworth, KS to attend the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College (CGSC), graduating in 1975. This achievement was followed by tours to the Republic of Korea serving in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, Alabama. John concluded 20 years of distinguished military service as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon retiring in 1982 to pursue a successful career in the private sector.
On a personal note, John had many loves including movies and music from all decades. He was particularly fond of KC & the Sunshine Band, ABBA, Sister Sledge’s “We Are Family”, all the James Bond film scores and many other musical genres. Following a demanding day at the office, John could often be found relaxing with a good cigar or his favorite pipe while sipping a Beefeater Gibson. John and his best friend and soul mate, wife Terry, enjoyed entertaining and cooking, as members of a Gourmet Dinner club for many years while residing in Centreville, Virginia. John was an accomplished writer, communicator and gifted storyteller. His greatest joys were spending time with his family, friends, retired military classmates, commanding the grill, and cooking his steaks to medium rare perfection while reminiscing of a life well lived.
John answered to many names throughout his life; John, Dad, Papa John, Sir (military), Rosy (high school), and Rosebud (USMA); the association with “roses”, an endearment whose origin derived from his Irish heritage, revealing itself in his jet-black hair, pale skin that refused to tan, and always rosy cheeks. John knew he was loved, and he returned that love two-fold to all who had the privilege of knowing him. May we all be uplifted at his passing with the many sweet memories of his loveable character, quick wit, resilience, friendship, and selfless loyal dedication to family and friends.
‘And when our work is done,
Our course on earth is run,
May it be said, 'Well Done;
Be Thou at Peace.' - The final stanza of West Point’s Alma Mater
John was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon and Hazel O’Neal; his in-laws, Leota Meyers and Tom Shackleford; and nephew, Michael Creighton O’Neal.
John is survived by his cherished wife of 37 years, Terry Shackleford O’Neal; his children, John W. (Lisa) O’Neal II of Peoria, AZ; Rebecca A. O’Neal of Ringgold, GA; Gordon V. “Van” (Madeline) O’Neal of Bristow, VA; and Matthew A. O’Neal of Charles Town, WV; stepchildren, Tracy C. (Michael) Summer of Georgetown, SC, Christopher D. (Kaley) Conner of Boone, NC; and Heather C. (Carper) Cole of Pawleys Island, SC; grandchildren, Gracie and Garrett O’Neal, Jack and Ben O’Neal; Conner (Mary Kathryn) and Caroline Summer; Kendall C. (Mat) Moretz; Reed, Barrett and Tucker Conner, David C. “Buck” Cole; Justin King and Bailey Rogers; great-grandchildren Madyson and Noble Moretz; siblings, Michael (Miriam) O’Neal and Susie O’Neal Strohmeyer; nieces, Anne O’Neal Jaeger and Tracy Land-Belknap; nephews, Tim and Eric Crooks and LTC Jay C. Land USA, Ret.
A Celebration of John’s life will be held on Friday, March 18, at 3 p.m. at Burroughs Funeral Home, 3558 Old Kings Highway, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576.
Interment will be in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in the name of John W. O’Neal to:
Tunnels to Towers Foundation, Tunnel to Towers Foundation (t2t.org)
Condolences may be sent to https://www.burroughsfh.com/listings