Ronald Wayne O'Neal Sr.

Ronald Wayne O’Neal, Sr., 87, was welcomed into the arms of his Savior on April 22, 2026. He was born June 23, 1938, to Ben and Effie O’Neal in Chattanooga, TN. He grew up in the Avondale area and was a graduate from Central High School.

He was a jovial, loving patriarch that immensely enjoyed his ever-growing “O’Neal Clan”. He enjoyed his home being filled with the warmth and laughter his family brought him throughout the year and especially on holidays. Ron drove many miles in his motor home, taking his wife and grandchildren on many adventures from Hilton Head to New England and out west.

More than anything else, Ron loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was a devoted member of Red Bank Baptist Church for over 60 years and faithfully served as chairman of the deacons. As a steward of his Lord, he also taught Sunday school, served as a Sunday school director, and was dedicated to serving on building committees and various other committees throughout the years.

Ron’s commitment to serving others extended beyond his church. His love for bald eagles and his patriotic passion stemmed from his dedication to America and his service in the U.S. Army Reserves. Locally, he served as a chairman on the Hamilton County School Board, Hamilton County Fund for Excellence, and the Red Bank Lions Club. He had a heart for adolescents and set a strong, Christian example for the young men he coached on countless little league sports teams.

In 1963, his father started The Ben O’Neal Company, and Ron joined him in 1966. Together they built a business in distribution, firmly founded in Christian and family values. Ron worked in their family business for over 40 years until retiring. He carried on a business legacy so strongly; it has now employed four generations of O’Neal’s.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Ruth Plummer.

His loving survivors include his wife of 65 years, Brenda McClain O’Neal and their three sons Chip O’Neal, Greg O’Neal (Luanne), and Marc O’Neal (Katie). His strong Christian heritage will live on in his grandchildren, Blair Ballard (Jeremy), Brandon O’Neal (Kali), Ben O’Neal (Carolyn), Virginia O’Neal, and Ryan O’Neal, and his nine great-grandchildren, Bryan, Emma, Cooper, Caleb, and Kate Ballard, Kade and Brynlee O’Neal, and Jack and Mallie O’Neal. He is also survived by one sister, Shirley Burns (Johnnie) as well as several cousins, nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, and brothers-in-law.

The family would like to thank Gooden’s Compassionate Care, especially Susan, Pam, Brenda, Nate, and Skyllar and Hearth Hospice, especially Emily and Brandy, for their compassionate care of Mr. Ron for the last several months. Your tender care of his needs was heartfelt and much appreciated.

A visitation will be held at Red Bank Baptist Church on Saturday, April 25, at 11am, followed by a celebration of life at 1pm. He will be laid to rest privately on Monday April 27th in the Hamilton Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Benevolence Fund at Red Bank Baptist Church can be made.

Please share your thoughts and memories of Ron online at www.ChattanoogaNorthChapel.com

Chattanooga Funeral Home North Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements.