Wendell O'Neal

On Monday, January 20, 2020, Wendell O’Neal, loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away at age 65 at Maury Regional Hospital in Columbia.

Wendell was born on August 15, 1954 in Columbia, TN to Cabe and Imogene O’Neal. Wendell graduated from Columbia Central High School in 1973 and received technical training in electronics and instrumentation. After graduating high school, he worked 18 years with Occidental Chemical Corp. After early retirement from Occidental, He went on to be a lineman and eventually an electrical engineer for the Mt. Pleasant Power System, where he retired in 2018. On January 25, 1974, he married the love of his life, Debbie O’Neal. They raised one son, Brad.

Wendell had a passion and extraordinary talent for woodworking. Wendell also volunteered as a music minister at First Baptist Church in Mt. Pleasant for nearly 30 years where he fostered relationships with other vocalists and musicians, encouraging them to use their talents for the Lord. In the years after his retirement, Wendell spent his time with Debbie camping and traveling and enjoying their two grandsons, Luke and Jude. Wendell was known for his sincere kindness and love for all people. All who spent time with him knew that he cared for you deeply.

Wendell was preceded in death by his father, Cabe Lipscomb O’Neal, his mother, Imogene Barr O’Neal and his brother, Mike O’Neal. He is survived by his wife Debbie O’Neal, his son, Brad O’Neal, his two grandchildren, Luke and Jude O’Neal along with many wonderful aunts, uncles and cousins.

Funeral services for Wendell will be conducted Saturday, January 25that 2:00 P.M. in the chapel of Williams Funeral Home with J.C. Christian and Bob Vassar officiating. Burial will follow in the Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends on Saturday from 12:00 until the time of the service at the funeral home.