Vandell Ronald O’Neal, life-long residence of Manatee County, died unexpectedly on April 13, 2020, at the age 77 while working at his warehouse. He was born January 3, 1943, son of the late Charles F. and Eva Jane O’Neal. Vandell grew up in the Gillette area and lived the majority of his life in Palmetto. As an adult he worked construction, commercial fished and was a talented auto mechanic. He is survived by his loving wife Diane, his three daughters, Tambra (Ray) Varnadore of Palmetto, FL, Karen (Dan Wilson) Gaetano of Sarasota, FL, and Kimberly (Randy) Holbrook of Palmetto, FL, two sisters, Thelma Beasley of Uvalda, GA and Melba Pannone of Palmetto, FL, his beloved grandchildren, Ryan (Katie) Varnadore, Daniel (Allyson) Varnadore, CPT James (Ashley) Miller, Kathryn (Vincent) Jeffries, Karley Holbrook, two step grandchildren, Brian (Christal) Stovall and Matt Albritton, 6 great grandchildren and a host of extended family. He was preceded in death by his grandson Eric Peoples. His passions included drag racing, NASCAR, hunting, fishing, tinkering with cars and spending time with family and friends.
