Elder John Michael O'Neal

Elder John Michael O'Neal was born February 22, 1951, in West Columbia, South Carolina, the beloved son and eldest of eight children born to the late Freddie and Thelma Kinley O’Neal. He went to be with the Lord on Friday, May 23, 2025, at the age of 74.

John Michael was educated in the Lexington County School System and obtained a degree from Lincoln University and continued his education at International Overcoming College of Religion, where he received a degree in Theology. He was a Veteran of the United States Army, serving from 1974-1992, having achieved the rank of Sergeant.

John Michael worked for Pella Windows and Doors Showroom of Irmo, SC, CMC Steel, and several other companies throughout his career, but his final position was in security at WIS News, where he truly enjoyed working with the people.

As a child, he worshipped at Saint James Baptist Church in West Columbia, SC. Later in life, he served as an Elder at El Shaddai Ministry under the leadership of Apostle Stephen Spencer, where he deeply cherished his church family. John Michael had a genuine love for people and found joy in visiting the sick and shut-in, offering prayers, and sharing scripture with everyone he encountered. He was devoted to both his family and his work within the church.

He was preceded in death by his son, John Michael O'Neal Jr.; father, Freddie O'Neal; sister, Deborah O'Neal; nephew, Damion K. Williams; and brother -in-law, Jonthan H. Williams.

Those left to cherish his memory include his mother, Thelma K. O’Neal; aunt, Hattie Muller Kinley of West Columbia, South Carolina; stepdaughter, Tonia Brown of Columbia, South Carolina; adopted daughter, Kerstin (Konstantin) Franzelin of Germany. He is also survived by his sisters, Janice O. (Rev. Dr. Garry) Percell of Reidsville, North Carolina, Victoria O'Neal, Vercie O. Williams, Paulette O. Williams, and Natalie O'Neal, all of West Columbia, South Carolina; brother, Frederick R. O'Neal of Cayce, South Carolina. A special niece, Pondra C. O'Neal of Greensboro, North Carolina; along with a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends, all of whom will dearly miss him.

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