On October 13, 2025, this world lost an incredibly good man when in the company of his family, Mike O’Neill traveled peacefully to the next world. Mike’s accomplishments and service to others were remarkable. It is hard to imagine so much good could fit into one life. Writing them all down would embarrass Mike, but we are going to do it anyway, at least some of them. Before though, it must be noted that for those who knew Mike O’Neill, he was more than respected, he was beloved. And as well-loved as he was by his wife and family, his friends, and his community – he loved them that much more. The fierceness of his love defined his life. It was a heck of a good way to live a life.
Mike graduated from Dobyns Bennett in 1958. During his senior year, he was the president of the student body, member of Boys State, and was voted Most Outstanding in his class. He lettered in football, baseball, and track. He was the captain of the football team and set the 880-yard dash state record in track. Mike is a member of the Dobyns Bennett High School Hall of Fame. Mike was awarded a football scholarship to Georgia Tech, where he played for the legendary coach Bobby Dodd. He graduated from Georgia Tech with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Management. Following graduation, Mike entered the Army infantry as a 2nd Lieutenant, where he served as an Airborne Ranger. Mike joined Eastman following his military service, where he held many leadership positions before retiring as the Vice President of Communication and Public Affairs. He then worked as the President of the Wellmont Foundation. Along the way, Mike served as a Kingsport City Alderman, the Chairman of the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce, a board member for Citizens Bank, and served in leadership positions for the YMCA, Tennessee Nature Conservancy, Contact Concern, the Kingsport Economic Development Board, and numerous other community organizations. He received the Boys & Girls Club’s Man and Boy award, was named a Paul Harris Fellow by the Kingsport Rotary Club, received the Distinguished Community Leadership award from the National Association of Community Leadership, and the Lifetime Achievement award by the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Grace O’Neill, his sisters, Betty Byrd and Kathleen Eastwood.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Betty Harman O’Neill, son Michael O’Neill, special son Phillip and Myar Long, daughter and son-in-law CeeGee and Jeff McCord, grandchildren Sam and Kayla McCord, Joseph and Mary O’Neill, Grace and Sean Collins, Corey and Ashley O’Neill, John and Lydia McCord, Niles Long, as well as precious great grandchildren, Talia, Preston, Ellie, Marshall, Elijah, Raelynn, Lexi, Savannah, Laine, Owen, and brother-in-law Joe and Linda Harman.
The family would like to thank the amazing caregivers for their compassionate care to help make Mike’s last years and final days as comfortable as possible – we are sincerely grateful to Nancy, Cindy, Lainey, Liz and the amazing team and friends of Preston Place l, Amedisys, and the Mountain Home VA Medical Center.
The service will be conducted on Friday, October 17, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. The family will receive friends with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers or meals, please consider a donation to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 161 E. Ravine Road, Kingsport, TN 37660.
Hamlett Dobson Funeral Home in Kingsport is serving the family.
We have learned that Joe Blakley passed away on March 28 in Kingsport.
Stony passed away on October 28, 2025 at NHC Kingsport after an extended illness.
