John "Johnny" Hill O'Neal, Sr.

John Hill “Johnny” O’Neal Sr. went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Tuesday, May 23, 2023 surrounded by family at his residence in Wauchula, Florida. Johnny was born in Madison, GA, on March 21, 1948, to Walter Hill and Hallie (Cook) O’Neal. His youth was spent in Union Point, GA. As a child, he attended school in Union Point and transferred to Cartersville High School for his Junior and Senior year. Johnny was a member of the C (Letterman’s) Club for football, Beta Club, Science Club, and Hi-Y Club, and was a Junior Marshall. He attended the University of Georgia, where he was a member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and graduated with a degree in business in 1971. Growing up, Johnny loved farming with his Grandfather L.H. Cook. He moved to Florida in 1973 and worked in banking, real estate, and contracting. He developed a true passion for land and citrus real-estate and was a member of the Highlands County Citrus Growers Association for many years. He was known for his Southern charm and made a host of friends. He was kind, grateful, and always willing to lend a helping hand. As a man who believed in a life of service, he spent several years as a Rotary member. Later, he became a member of the Highlands Sertoma (Service to Mankind) Club and following many years of service as President became referred to as “President for Life.” Johnny was a man of faith and a member of the First Christian Church of Wauchula. If ever asked how he was doing, he would say “I’ve been blessed.” He loved spending time in the woods hunting quail, deer, and turkey. He was an excellent marksman and loved teaching his kids how to hunt. 

Johnny was preceded in death by his father Hill O’Neal; mother Hallie Davison; and stepfather Julian Davison. He is survived by his wife Karen (Summers) O’Neal; his daughter, Katie Jackson, and husband, Steven of Santa Rosa Beach, FL; son, John Hill O’Neal Jr, and wife, Caroline of Madison, GA; son, Bobby O’Neal of Sebring, FL; stepdaughter Briana Ames and husband Kyle of Florence, SC, four grandchildren, Merrill Lash, Lyda O’Neal, Davison O’Neal, and Julia O’Neal.

Two services will be held. Graveside service will be held at the Woodville Baptist Church Cemetery on Tuesday, May 30th at 10:30 a.m. in Woodville, GA, officiated by Rev. Grady Mosley. Celebration of Life service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 3, at the First Christian Church of Wauchula, with the Rev. Darin Canary officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Highlands Sertoma Club. Mailing address: 140 South Commerce Ave. Sebring, FL 33870 and or Good Shepherd Hospice. Mailing address 1110 Hammock Rd. Sebring, FL. 33870.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John "Johnny" Hill O'Neal, Sr., please visit our floral store.