Willie O'Neal, Sr.

This Great Warrior was born March 6, 1940, in Lowndes County to the late J.B. “Tump” and Bessie W. O’Neal.  He entered into his everlasting life on Wednesday, February 7, 2018.  He began his life in Christ at an early age and joined Fairview Baptist Church.  He continued to develop his faith throughout the years at Charity Full Gospel Baptist Church and Love City Fellowship.  During this lifetime, this Warrior fought many battles, but his training at Abundant Life Christian Church prepared him to fight the good fight of faith and finish the race.  He remained active and served faithfully as a member of the church custodial auxiliary until his transition.

Willie used his charm to attract and capture the heart of, and ultimately marry his beautiful, talented sweetheart, Helen F. McCarter on July 25, 1966.  To this union, three children were born: Willie Jr., of Jackson, MS, Daphnee (Craig) Morris of Starkville, MS, and Yolanda (Lamorris) Richardson of Collinsville, MS.

Willie received his diploma from Pleasant Grove High School (Oktibbeha County, MS) in 1959, but he was an an entrepreneur at heart, which is a trait that was passed on to him by his father, “Tump”. Willie was a diligent, loyal, effective employee of the Beneke Corporation for six years and Ceco Building System for 32 years while simultaneously venturing into various mom-and-pop entrepreneurial endeavors.

We fondly remember Willie spending time with his family, talking about the word of God, stressing family unity, fulfilling his zest to be unique, watching sports, discussing business ownership, cleaning the house and sharing stories about his and others’ ability to flawlessly and brilliantly play baseball, and his love for fast, clean cars.  He was a private, independent gentleman with a calm, quiet spirit, a great provider, supporter and inspirer who sacrificed and poured his gifts of love, kindness, generosity and eagerness into countless people he encountered and influenced, thus leaving a rich history and legacy to be continued on Earth.

He was preceded in transitioning by his Parents,

Willie’s 77 years of sweet memories of this life will continuously be cherished by his devoted wife

Helen F. McCarter - O’Neal,

6 Children (3 daughters - Daphnee, Yolanda and Teayon and 3 Sons - Willie Jr., Alfred and Don),

14 Grandchildren, 5 Great-Grandchildren,

2 Sisters - Mary (Mose) Tucker and Barbara Jean Brooks both of Flint, MI,

2 Brothers - J.B. Odneal Sr., of Flint, MI and N.F. (Harriet) Odneal of Florissant, MO,

2 Sister-in-Laws - Hattie O’Neal of Brooksville, MS and Dr. Natalie (Dr. Carl) Reddix of Jackson MS,

6 Brother- in-Laws - Bishop Bobby (Julia) McCarter Sr., William “Mack” (Queenie) McCarter, Lawrence McCarter, Glover (Christine) Conner of Crawford, MS, Jackie McCarter of St. Louis, MO and Sammie Lyde of

Flint, MI,

2 Aunts - Nettie Gray Bell and Earnestine Gray both of Flint, MI,

 1 Uncle - Johnnie Lewis (Virginia) Gray of Oatisville, MI,

1 God daughter - Shirley Willams of Columbus, MS, 

A host of special nieces, nephews, cousins, friends,

and a special God given family

“The late Jack and Lillie Hill and family of Crawford, MS”.