Mack E O'Neil

It is with much sadness that we announce Mack passed on to be with his Lord and Savior at home during the evening of Friday, November 18th, surrounded by his family.

A lifetime resident of Florida, Mack was born to L. Ray O’Neil & Katherine (Yelvington) at Halifax hospital in Daytona Beach, Florida. Losing his father younger in life he was raised by his mother & Grandparents, Big Papa & Essie Yelvington at their farm on Big tree road in Daytona. It was there he became incredibly close with his cousin Laurence “PeeWee” Troha, viewing him as a brother. He enjoyed many a baseball game alongside his grandfather & spent much time with his many aunts, uncles, and cousins who shaped who he became.

In his early years he met his lifelong best friend Robert Lambright who delivered newspapers to his grandparent’s home. In his teen years his friendship with Robert strengthened, they spent their free time eating at Bucks Barn & dancing at the South Daytona Youth Club with their friend Bonnie where his love of country music would continue to grow. Through the years he enjoyed the music of Slim Whitman most of all. During his years at Edgewater High School in Orlando he was a Lieutenant in the Civil Air Patrol alongside Robert & his High School sweetheart & first wife Bonnie (Shults 1956-60) He & Bonnie enjoyed the birth of 2 Daughters, Sherry & Debra. In 1956 he joined the Navy reserves where he spent 8 years traveling to many places including Spain & Cuba.

While at work in Orlando he was introduced to a telephone operator Jeanne (Pierson) in the early fall of 1960, they would be married on December 27th of the same year. Twelve years later they would enjoy the birth of daughter Audry whom the Lambright’s would become Godparents to. He began his early years of work with Western Electric transferring to Southern Bell as a lineman. With Southern Bell completing his education, he became a Telecommunications Engineer & would continue in that position until his retirement from Bell South / AT&T in 1991 .That position would have him live in Orlando, Ft. Lauderdale & finally relocate him to his home in Panama City with his family moving in on July 4th, 1976.

Mack was an avid bowler, golfer, & pool player enjoying much time at Little Jacks downtown. He drank many a cup of coffee at John Boys Shoppe in Callaway while having great conversation with friends. He dearly loved to play acoustic guitar, while reading was his other favorite pastime, never quite getting enough of the gospel of Luke. He enjoyed traveling with family to the mountains of Tennessee, North Carolina & Southern Indiana. His home was always open to anyone needing a place to be & he was always available to lend a hand. There are many who saw him as a father figure in the lives that he touched.

 He is survived by his first wife Bonnie (Bob) Daughters Sherry O’Neil (Margie), Debbie Korwek (Jim) Grandson Marshall Kram (Crystal) & great grandson Teren. He is preceded in death by grandson Zak Kram, & much of his family.

He is also survived by his wife Jeanne of 61 years, Daughter Audry Jackson (Andy) Grandsons Justin Jackson, Benjamin Jackson, Peter Bonanno , Robert Bonanno & his family pets .

His best friend Robert Lambright (Joann) & family, as well as numerous family & friends who continued to keep him in prayer.

He was in Hospice care near the end of his time here on earth. Having an aide he grew to care for very much. Cliff made what would have otherwise been a difficult time very comfortable with him being able to maintain his dignity. We give our heartfelt thanks to everyone who came out with covenant each week to keep him comfortable & to the Pastors & congregation from First United Methodist church for their prayers & support.

Upon his request there will be no public service. In lieu of flowers if you would care to make a Christmas donation in his memory, you may do so to First United Methodist Church, 903 E 4th Street, Panama City, Florida 32401 or Covenant Hospice 3109 Minnesota Avenue Suite 150, Panama City, Florida 32405.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mack E O'Neil, please visit our floral store.