Ennis O’Neal
Published 10:00 am Wednesday, May 3, 2017
Ennis O’Neal, 68 , of Marietta, Georgia, passed away peacefully at his residence on Sunday, April 30th, 2017. He was the son of the late E. F. and Dorothy M. O’Neal of Dalton, Ga.
Ennis was born in LaGrange, Georgia on May 10th, 1948. Following his graduation from Dalton High School, Dalton, Ga., Ennis received a BS in Textiles from Georgia Tech in 1970, followed by a MBA from Georgia State University in 1972.
He was married to his high school sweetheart Margaret Funderburk O’Neal for 47 years. Ennis’ lifelong professional career was in the carpet industry. He retired from Shaw Industries, Inc. Contract Group Product Development & Design Team after 28 years of service. He was a member of the Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church Usher Team, Captain in the United States Army Reserves, Carpet Trade Golf Association member, Georgia Tech Chi Phi Social Fraternity, Charter member of The Farm in Dalton, Ga., and a Georgia Tech lifetime football season ticket holder.
In addition to his newly developed passion in woodworking, he was an avid golfer, a classic rock and roll music enthusiast, fond of his Seaside Villa Whimsey cottage and beach memories, and enjoyed his two sportscars – a vintage BMW 2002 and his “bucket list” Porsche Cayman.
He is survived by his sister, Jacqueline O’Neal of Dalton, Ga., and nephew and wife, Wesley and Macie Hackney and their two daughters, Ginny and Mary Beth of Cartersville, Ga. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Frances Taylor and her husband Robert of Salisbury, NC. and their children, daughter Heather Taylor and her son Ethan of Dunwoody, Ga., daughter Molly Ward of Salisbury, NC, and Adam and Rachel Taylor and their daughter Cecily of Smyrna, Ga. In addition, a very special Wheaton Terrier companion Sadie O’Neal by his side to the end.
Rev. Glenn Ray will officiate the graveside service on Thursday, May 4th, at 2 p.m. at the Marseilles Cemetery in West Point, Ga. A celebration of Ennis’ life is being planned for a later date at Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church, Marietta, Ga.
H. M. Patterson & Son Funeral Directors will be assisting the O’Neal family during this time.
Memorials may be made in memory of Ennis for the Cancer Support Ministry to the Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church, 4385 Lower Roswell Rd, Marietta, GA 30068 . Online condolences can be made at www.hmpattersoncantonhill.com.