O'neal Moser Carnes

O’neal Moser Carnes passed away on May 9, 2021 at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center from complications associated with his late-in-life diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis. He was born December 19, 1930 to his mother Jessie Moser Carnes, and father Jess J. Carnes. He grew up in Waxhaw, North Carolina and graduated from Waxhaw High School in 1949. He went on to live most of his adult life in Charlotte, NC where he and his wife Shirley raised their two sons.

He worked for the Industrial Electric Company for over 30 years where he became a Master Electrician – the most coveted title in the electrician’s trade. As a Master Electrician O’neal was a highly skilled, well-trained, experienced, licensed electrician with the ability and certifications to handle almost any project that involves electricity. During his successful career he was the job superintendent on several large, complex projects, including South Park Mall and the Park Road Shopping Center in Charlotte, NC, and the installation of lights on the airfield at the Marine Corps Air Station at Cherry Point, North Carolina. Although his job was physically demanding, dangerous, and often outdoors, O’neal maintained an impressive safety record throughout his career and incurred no lost-time injuries for himself or his employees.

For over 50 years he was an active member and strong supporter of the Hickory Grove United Methodist Church where he belonged to the Methodist Men and the Epworth Sunday School class. He lived his life according to Christian values and principles and was kind, patient, and generous to everyone he knew. O’neal was a true stoic and exemplified self-control, fortitude, forbearance, and tolerance. He rarely complained and dutifully addressed all of life’s challenges as they arose. He had a logical mind and he understood how the world worked. He did his part in nature's grand plan, worked well with others, and treated them fairly and justly. He was a man of few words, but a wonderful storyteller and a source of timeless wisdom built up over a lifetime of experience and astute observations of the human condition. O’neal was a tremendous source of support and excellent advice to his family and friends, and his guidance and council will be deeply missed.

O’neal was an extremely hard worker who provided well for his family, supported his church, and helped his neighbors. He was a jack of all trades and was exceptionally good with his hands. There wasn’t much he couldn’t do, and he generously and enthusiastically helped his church, family, friends, and neighbors with numerous home repairs and maintenance projects. Throughout his life O’neal enjoyed fishing, boating, NASCAR Racing, golf, and professional football. He taught his children how to fish off the pier at Tilghman Beach, SC and helped them water ski on Lake Wylie. He traveled to see several NASCAR races, played golf in the Carolinas, Bermuda, and Hawaii, and was a season ticket holder of the Carolina Panthers for their first 20 seasons. Known as “Papaw” by his grandchildren, O’neal was a devoted grandfather who loved and supported them with his time, energy, and financial resources. He was an avid beach goer and spent countless weekends and vacations on the South Carolina coast with friends and family. He’ll always be remembered for the wonderful memories he created with his children and grandchildren while fishing, pitching horseshoes, building sandcastles, walking on the beach, hunting for shells, steaming shrimp, and eating ice cream.

He will be sorely missed and survived by his son Charles Carnes, daughter-in-law Ellen Carnes, sister Maryjo Braswell, brother Russell Carnes, sister-in-law Kay Carnes and his three grandchildren Keri Carnes, Rhett Carnes, and Morgan Carnes. O’neal was preceded in death by his brother Clinton Carnes, brother-in-law Ben Braswell, son Rhett Marcus Carnes, and his wife Shirley R. Carnes. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at Hickory Grove United Methodist Church on June 5th at 3:00 pm with an open visitation between 1:45 – 2:45 pm. Memorials and donations can be made to the Hickory Grove United Methodist Church.