William Mitchell O'Neal, Sr.

                William Mitchell “Mitch” O'Neal Sr passed away on September 24, 2016 at the age of 53.  A life long resident of Central Louisiana, Mitch spent his final days in Houston, Texas battling debilitating illnesses including diabetes and kidney failure.
Mitch was born on January 17, 1963 in Alexandria, Louisiana to William “Billy” O'Neal of Pineville, LA and Emma Rae Petrus of Alexandria, LA. A 1981 graduate of Holy Savior Menard High School, Mitch was a member of the football team and played trumpet in the band. He was also active in the Boy Scouts of America, obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout with Troop 8.  He attended both LSUA and LSU in Baton Rouge.  He was a member of the Alexandria Masonic Lodge 398 and a Shriner with the El Karubah Shrine Temple of Shreveport. From childhood, Mitch developed a passion for all things outdoors, a passion that remained with him even when he could no longer participate in the activities he loved so dearly.  He was known to share stories of duck hunts, four wheeler and jet ski adventures, and the joys of fellowship with friends and family.  Mitch also had a need for speed, as evidenced by his prized 1963 Corvette Stingray convertible and his love for NASCAR. As a diehard Saints fan, it was a dream come true for Mitch to hear them win a Super Bowl.  And though never confirmed, there were rumors that he once asked his mother in law to leave the house as to not disturb team mojo.  Always wheeling and dealing, Mitch was Vice President of Lee Dee Vending, owner of South Circle Tractors, and co-owner of South Circle Auto Sales.  Even in his hardest days, Mitch found joy in his work and always tried to instill the same in those around him.  He always took pride in his community and showed support through donations, coaching, and team sponsorships.  Although Mitch always considered himself a Christian, over the last year he strengthened his walk with Christ through attendance at Calvary Woodworth and Calvary Baptist of Alexandria and confirmation that Jesus Christ is his Lord and Savior.       Mitch is survived by his wife of 32 years, Rebecca Ann O'Neal and his children Michelle O'Neal Butler and her husband, Kirby Butler, William Mitchell O'Neal Jr. and his partner, Ann Cunningham,  and  Andrew Nikolai O'Neal and his wife Leticia Toba O'Neal.  He was Poppi to his two grandchildren, Darby and Liam.  He also leaves his father, William “Billy” O'Neal and stepmother Brenda O'Neal; stepfather Tom Petrus; and sister Brittany O'Neal McCrery and husband Rob McCrery.  He is preceded in death by his mother Emma Rae Petrus; grandparents, Mitch and Hazel O’Neal, Bill and Rae Belle Warner.  A special thank you to his many caregivers, especially Katherine McGraw.  Donations may be made to the Shriners Hospital of Shreveport, Louisiana, 3100 Samford Ave, Shreveport, LA 71103 or Calvary of Woodworth, 10 Bayou Clear Road, Woodworth, LA 71485.  Services will be on 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 28, 2016 at Calvary Baptist Church in Alexandria, Louisiana with Dr. David Brooks and Reverend Christian Stubbs officiating.  Burial will be in Greenwood Memorial Park, under the direction of Hixson Brothers, Alexandria.Visitation will be held at Hixson Brothers, Alexandria on Tuesday from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and Wednesday at Calvary Baptist Church, Alexandria from 9:00 a.m. until time of service.Pallbearers: Nicholas Alexandrenko, David Chaudoir, George Hardy, Randy Michiels, Robert Ernie O'Neal, and Allen Witcher.Honorary Pallbearers: Mike Bailey, Joe Campbell, Speedy Campbell, Jimmy Touchet.