Bill O'Neal

Hearing about Bill's passing has been really hard on me just like it has been on anyone who knew or was close to him. He has had such an impact on my life like no one else. When reading one of his books The Arizona Rangers, I saw that my great grandfather Pima County Sheriff Nabor Pacheco rode in several of their posses and worked personally with many of their famous members such as Billy Old, Jeff Kidder and more than anyone else, Captain Harry Wheeler. I knew I had to try to talk with him so just over three years ago, I took a chance by making a call to a Mr. Bill O'Neal in Carthage, Texas just to see if it was him. When I asked if this was the same person who wrote The Arizona Rangers book, he promptly said "you're talking to him". That was the first of so many phone and emails from this "Giant of a Man". He was so interested in hearing more about Sheriff Pacheco and his working friendship with Harry C. Wheeler from my small sample of research he emphatically encouraged me to do more and to eventually write a book. Through Bill's urging, I was able to talk and become friends with Harry's granddaughter and this past few years found more information about this most legendary Arizona Ranger. Even Bill had not seen some of this material but he was so appreciative of everything I found and sent to him. Because of this unselfish man's sharing with his thoughts and his time, I have had numerous articles published about this special Sheriff and the Arizona Rangers on the web, in magazines and in the current Arizona Rangers quarterly's "Report to the Commander". It has given me so much fulfillment in my retirement years and I owe it all this generous and passion filled man who is my role model and muse. "Vaya Con Dios" Bill. There will never be another one like you and I will forever miss your sharing and great enthusiasm for life.


Steven "Pacheco" McCann

Your lectures and your speeches were always interesting and ended way too soon. Your interest and compassion to your friends was remarkable. Texas will miss your stories, your books, and your remarkable ability to make history real and interesting. Heaven will give you new adventures.
Madeline Gill

In memory of and in gratitude for your long, demonstrated love for Texas. Your willingness to share that love with the various heritage organizations will long be remembered. May God bless you and welcome you home.

Gonna miss this Texas legacy... from his prowess as a youthful model builder (of the entire Alamo complex) to his gift of writing so many books (loved The Gunfighters and Baseball history ones the best) to being a lover of baseball to being a fan of his little brother´s rock band all these years...to just being a friend you could talk to about anything at all, from family genealogy to anything Corsicana to Sam Houston... Bill was the true Renaissance Man. Rest in Peace, my friend...you are now officially part of history...