December 30, 1937 - November 7, 2024
Reverend Paul Arnold O’Neal age 86, of LaFayette, Georgia went home to be with The Lord that he had sang about, preached about and told others about most of his life, early Thursday morning – November 7, 2024. Paul was born in Chickamauga, Georgia to the late Raymond “Pud” Milton and Dollie Hill O’Neal. He was raised in the mill village of Chickamauga and was a proud graduate of Gordon Lee High School, Class of 1957. While in high school he participated on the track team, played tennis, baseball and football. Before entering the ministry, Paul worked at American National Insurance Company, Standard Coffee, Stanley Steamer and E.T. Barwick Mills. He attended Shield Baptist Church in Chickamauga, where he received Christ as His Savior. Paul had a love for gospel music and followed in his father’s footsteps as a choir director at Shield and Bethlehem Baptist Churches. He also sang in a male quartet and with The O’Neal Family for many years. He accepted the call to preach at Walnut Grove Baptist Church. He served as the choir director, youth and associate Pastor at Hamill Road and Elizabeth Terrace Baptist Churches. Pastor Paul served at Shiloh Baptist Church in Rossville for forty-three years and was the current Pastor Emeritus. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters Betty Sue Barnett, Glenda Faye Eaves, brothers: Raymond Edward O’Neal and Charles Andrew O’Neal. He is survived by his wife of sixty-four years: Rebecca Jane Sprayberry O’Neal, children: Reverend Derrell (Anita) O’Neal of Chickamauga, GA, Terry (Janet) O’Neal of Rock Spring, GA, Monica Joy (David) Wilson of Chickamauga, GA, grandchildren: Jordan (Stevie) Smith, Jensen (Bradley) Floyd, Alli (Jack) Smith, Landon (Katie) O’Neal, Spencer (Hagan) Wilson, Caleb O’Neal, Shelby Wilson, Gracie O’Neal, Speshal Joy (Parker) Salmon, Splendor Pearl Wilson, great-grandchildren: Brady, Caroline and Luke Smith, Josie and Jace Floyd, Kasley Smith, David Howard “Ward” and Lillie Grace Wilson, several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends Saturday from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held at 4:00 pm – Sunday – November 10, 2024 at Shiloh Baptist Church, with visitation prior to the service from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm. Entombment will follow in Calvary Gardens-Mausoleum. Arrangements are by Wilson Funeral Homes – J. Avery Bryan Chapel, Chickamauga, Georgia. An online register book may be signed at www.wilsonfuneralhome.com.
