John E. O'Neal Jr

Mr. John E. O'Neal, Jr., better known as "Big John", age 65 of Calhoun, passed away Saturday, October 25, 2008 at his home after an extended illness.

"Big John" was born September 15, 1943 in Akron, Ohio, son of the late John Estes O'Neal, Sr. and Frances Mae Abernathy O'Neal. During his lifetime, Big John was a small business owner in Ohio, and later worked 17 years at the Meadowbrook Dairy in Calhoun after moving to Georgia. Later in life, Big John was employed as a truck driver for Dixon Construction.

John is survived by his wife and companion of 22 years, Barbara; sons, John O'Neal and Donald O'Neal; daughters, Jackie (David) Bradley, Sherri (Dale) Peardon, and Andrea (Danny) Hicks; stepsons, Floyd (Angela) Lupo, and Richard (Dixie) Lupo; stepdaughter, Penny (Gorgon) Tapp of Tifton, Georgia; sisters, Anita (Richard) Morrison, and Patricia (Tim) Mulkey; a brother, Jeff (Vickie) O'Neal; and stepmother, Helen O'Neal. Fifteen grandchildren and eight great grandchildren, all of Calhoun, also survive. John also had many other relatives in the north Georgia and Tennessee areas. He had good friends everywhere he went. Big John was a large influence on many people and will be missed by all that knew him.

Funeral services for Mr. John E. O'Neal, Jr. will be conducted Monday at 2:00 pm from the chapel of Max Brannon & Sons Funeral Home, with Rev. Bob Osterle officiating. Singing will be arranged by Mr. Richie Parker. Pallbearers serving will include Dustin Howard, John (Jon-Jon) O'Neal, Zach Bradley, Daniel Morrison, Steven O'Neal and Joseph O'Neal. Honorary pallbearers will include Gary Moore, Glen Dixon, Jerry Jones and Kerry Dehoff. Interment will follow the service in the Chandler Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Max Brannon & Sons Funeral Home Sunday evening during the hours of 5:30pm and 9:00pm.

Online condolences may be expressed and the guestbook signed at www.maxbrannonandsons.com

Family owned and operated Max Brannon & Sons Funeral Home is conducting the funeral services for Mr. John E. O'Neal, Jr., better known as "Big John", of Calhoun.