John Barnwell O'Neal IV

John Barnwell O'Neal IV, 75, of Macon, Georgia, passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2026. Funeral services will be held at 2pm on Thursday, March 19, in the chapel at Ingleside Baptist Church with Dr. Mark Hudgins officiating. Following the service, there will be a time for storytelling and remembrances in the fellowship hall. There will be a private burial in Elberton, Georgia, on Friday.

Son of the late Dr. John Barnwell O’Neal, III and Dr. Phyllis Johnson O’Neal, John was born in Elberton, Georgia on June 16, 1950. Not long after graduating from the University of Georgia, he married the love of his life, Linda Rockett. The two would spend fifty-three years together, most of those years in Macon, Georgia, where he raised his family.

John started an insurance business called O’Neal & Associates in the early 90’s, with Linda being the associate. After a few years, he took on a partner, Jimmy Hinson, and the firm became known as O’Neal & Hinson. After 20 years, they sold their thriving business to BB&T.

Friends universally regarded him as a great man of integrity and wisdom. Uniquely steadfast, curious, energetic, analytical, quick-witted, and a faithful follower of Christ. His family was always his highest priority: his marriage to Linda came first, and he consistently put the world on hold to be present at even the smallest events in the lives of his sons and grandchildren.

John is survived by his loving wife, Linda O’Neal of Macon; sons, Bryan O'Neal (Rebecca) of Connecticut and Michael O'Neal (Mary Catherine) of Macon; grandchildren: Eve O'Neal, Tess O'Neal, Jacob O'Neal, and Sarah Jane O'Neal; sisters, Patricia Paterson of Roswell, Georgia and Peggy O'Neal of Woodstock, Georgia; brother-in-law, Pete Rockett (Pamela) of Woodstock, Georgia; sister-in-law, Carol Megathlin (Bill) of Athens, Georgia; nieces and nephews: Wade Rockett, Katie MacIntosh, Joe Paterson, Patricia Rockett, Katie Russell, Bill Megathlin Jr.; and great nephews: Riley MacIntosh, William Russell, and David Russell.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his sister, Pam McPhearson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ingleside Baptist Church, 834 Wimbish Rd, Macon, GA 31210.

Please visit www.hartsmort.com to express condolences.

Hart’s at the Cupola, Hart's Mortuary and Cremation Center, 6324 Peake Rd, Macon, GA 31210 has charge of the arrangements.