John Brown Gordon (Jay) O'Neal passed away peacefully on December 22, 2025. He was born on June 23, 1959 in Macon, Georgia. He attended high school in Macon where he met the love of his life, Donna Moulder. They reconnected as adults and were married for 30 years, until her passing earlier this year.

Jay and Donna's love of the mountains led them to settle in Blue Ridge and build their lives in this community. He was a self employed house painter who took great pride in bringing attention to detail to each job. His dogs were his children and he was meticulous in their care. He rescued many dogs over the years, and his greatest pleasure in his last days was to have Dixie and Brin curled up in his chair with him while listening to his friend Larry's ridiculous jokes. He loved reading nonfiction, particularly books on Vietnam and The Civil War.

Jay is survived by his brother and sister-in-law Hank and June O'Neal; sister, Patricia DeMarcus; step brother, Bruce Spengler (Anne) ; stepson and daughter-in-law Ryan and Monica Goodrich; grandchildren Amanda, Gabriel, and Camila Goodrich; mother-in-law Imogene Dugger; nieces, Mary Edith Palmer (Larry), Jennifer O'Neal, Elise Henley (Josh), Lindsay Pulliam (Daniel); a nephew, Keith DeMarcus and many great nieces and nephews.

Jay was preceded in death by his wife Donna, father Hank O'Neal, Jr., mother Patricia O'Neal, and his sister Erin O'Neal.

A Memorial service was held from the Akins-Cobb Blue Ridge Chapel on Saturday, January 17th at 12:00. The family greeted friends at the funeral home at 11:00.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.akinscobb.com

Akins-Cobb Funerals & Cremations of Blue Ridge, GA was in charge of these arrangements.