Volunteer helped his church, civic groups

''He was a wonderful man, dedicated to his family, his community and his church,'' a close friend says of Ed O'Neal.

By JORGE SANCHEZ

© St. Petersburg Times, published March 2, 2001

CRYSTAL RIVER -- Guy Edward "Ed" O'Neal, known for his community work with church and civic organizations as well as for being a veteran financial planner, died Wednesday at his home.

Mr. O'Neal, 45, was active in community service projects at Crystal River United Methodist Church and for the Crystal River Rotary.

Mr. O'Neal and his wife, Megan, who died in June, served as counselors with the Stephen Ministry at Crystal River United Methodist Church. Stephen Ministers work one-on-one with people whose lives are in crisis.

He was also a chairman of the lay leadership board of directors at United Methodist Church and sang in Soul Seekers, a church choir.

"He was a wonderful man, dedicated to his family, his community and his church," said Jeannie Garcia, a close friend who works at United Methodist Church. "Eddie and Megan were my best friends."

Mr. O'Neal recently took some time off from the Rotary Club of Crystal River, but his involvement included helping to build the Crystal River Christmas parade floats and a swimming pool at the Key Training Center in Lecanto. He earned the Paul Harris Fellow award from the rotary.

Mr. O'Neal was also on the Board of Governors for Leadership Citrus.

He was employed as a financial adviser for about 14 years at the Crystal River office of Raymond James and Associates.

Services are scheduled for 5 p.m. Saturday at Crystal River United Methodist Church, 718 NW First Ave. A viewing will begin at 3 p.m. The Rev. Alan Jefferson will deliver the eulogy.

Mr. O'Neal's wife died June 13, 2000, said a spokesman from Strickland Funeral Home in Crystal River, which is handling the funeral arrangements. Mr. O'Neal is survived by four sons, Eddie, John, Eugene and William; his parents, Ed and Polly O'Neal of Charlotte, N.C.; and a brother and sister, Pat O'Neal and Poppi Tsumas, both of Charlotte.

© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • St. Petersburg Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright