Wilmore “J.R.” “Junior” O’Neil

Wilmore “J.R.” “Junior” O’Neil was born March 7, 1944 in Williamstown, Kentucky and passed away Aug. 14, 2021 at his residence in Lexington, Kentucky at the age of 77.  He was the son of the late Eloise Virginia Souder and Wilmore McKee “Bill” O’Neil, Sr.

Was raised on a farm and graduated from Williamstown High School in 1962.

On May 8, 1964, JR was united in marriage to Claudia Frances Beach O’Neil.  In addition to his wife of more than 57 years he is survived by a son: Matthew M. (Donna) O’Neil of Charlotte, NC; a daughter: Shawn (Steve) Pelfrey of Crestview Hills; two sisters: Arlene (Carl) Griffin of Dry Ridge and Rita (Wayne) Lewis of Ghent; and four grandchildren: Zoe Luebbe, Jyoti O’Neil, Sullivan O’Neil and Mez O’Neil.

He was preceded in death by two sisters: Darlene and Peggy O’Neil.

JR was a retired construction manager for Barlow Homes Construction in Lexington and former owner/operator of Modern Dry Cleaners in Williamstown.  He was very involved in his community over the years serving on the Williamstown City Council, Grant County Planning & Zoning and as a Williamstown Little League Baseball Coach.

In 1993, J.R. and Claudia relocated from Grant County to Lexington.  JR was an active member of Destiny Community Church.

J.R. loved using his gifts and strengths to serve God. He enjoyed giving his time, and energy and passion towards the people he loved and the ministries the led. He believed in the mission of The Light House and found great satisfaction using his influence with City Hall, advising and managing projects, along with utilizing ole fashion sweat equity to help see the dream of the Light House become a reality.  It was also his deep love for its founders, Dan and Tay Henderson that fueled his joy as well. He also believed in the mission of Haven of Rest Family Ministries.  Hence, He loved driving to Eastern Kentucky to paint walls, advise contractors and over-see footers being poured during its inception.  But so much of the source of his joy for Haven of Rest was the love for its founder, his sister in Law, Eileen Beach Mullins.

Funeral services will be 1:00 PM, Saturday, August 21, 2021 at Dry Ridge Christian Church , 13 School St., Dry Ridge, KY  41035.  Visitation will be 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM at the church.  Burial will be in the Hill Crest Cemetery in Dry Ridge.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Lighthouse Ministries, 190 Spruce St., Lexington, KY  40507 or on their website at lighthouselex.org .