Bobby O'Neal

Bobby Ray O'Neal, Sr. of Blytheville, passed from this life Monday, May 4, 2015 at Baptist Memorial East Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. Born to Hyson and Bertha Hodge O'Neal, Bobby served in the United States Navy Reserve during the Korean War era. He was owner/operator of Bobby O'Neal Construction Company and worked on numerous construction projects on Interstate 55 from Blytheville to Memphis. He solved numerous drainage and conservation problems throughout Mississippi County, as well as for the farmers of the Northeastern Arkansas region, contributing to the economic growth of Northeast Arkansas. As a Charter member of the Classic Car Club, he loved to restore antique cars and trucks. He was very good with his hands and could repair anything. Bobby was an active member of Ridgecrest Baptist Church. He loved to usher at church, and while taking up collections, he loved to give the children Bob's peppermint candy. He was an animal lover. Bobby had numerous friends and loved his family. He was honest, loyal, hardworking, and a devout Christian. Bobby was a great husband, father, grandfather and friend and will be greatly missed. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Leon O'Neal; three sisters, Ernestine Buck, Ethelene Buck, and Freida Bright. Bobby is survived by his wife, Mary Katherine Dyer O'Neal of the home; two sons, Rodney O'Neal of Blytheville and Bob O'Neal, Jr. and his wife Leslie of Bentonville, Arkansas; brother, Bonard O'Neal of Conroe, Texas; sister, Vernell Green of Blytheville; grandchildren, Paige O'Neal of Bentonville, Arkansas and Joshua O'Neal and his wife Lindy of Rogers, Arkansas; and one great-grandchild, Saylor O'Neal. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, May 7, 2015 at Ridgecrest Baptist Church with Rev. Greg Smith, Rev. Don Johnson, and Billy Holifield officiating. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. until service time at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Ridgecrest Baptist Church Youth Program. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cobbfuneralhome.com. .