Billy Joseph O’Neal, 84, of DeRidder, La., passed from this life on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023.
Billy Joseph O’Neal was born to Nannie Arledge O’Neal and George Edward O’Neal on July 27, 1938 in Sabine Parish. Billy was the youngest of six children. His father predeceased him when Billy was four years of age. He and the other children were raised by their mother. For work and family support the family returned to Beauregard Parish.
Billy graduated from DeRidder High School where he had met Joy Faye McCaig, who he eventually married. Billy and Joy celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary on Dec. 22nd.
Billy and joy raised three boys, Billy Thea, Patrick Scott, and David Clay. The boys each married and Billy was blessed with their wives, his daughters-in-law: Jan, Jeanne, and Paula. Billy attended McNeese and started working at West Brothers Department Store in 1958.
Billy worked for West Bothers for 22 years employed in various store locations, and managerial positions, until returning to DeRidder to work in their main office. Billy then opened B. O’Neal Men’s Store that he ran with his son, Billy. In 1982, Mayor Gerald Johnson asked Billy to serve the City of DeRidder as City Manager. Billy served in this position until 2000, and was instrumental in economic development in DeRidder and the surrounding community. After his retirement in 2000, Billy assisted his son David in his business, R. C. Paving, for 23 years.
Billy was involved on many levels in our community. He loved people and loved helping them. Some of his community service included: President of Dixie Youth Baseball Board; member and President of Rotary Club; President of Chamber of Commerce; President of Beauregard Regional Airport Board; and, Co-founder of Old Dragons DHS Alumni Organization.
Billy and Joy started attending First Baptist Church in 1964 where he has continued to serve as an active member. He has served on the Board of Trustees and on the Building Committee. Billy’s dedication to his faith and his family defined his life.
Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 66 years, Joy O’Neal of DeRidder, La.; sons, Billy O’Neal and Jan of DeRidder, La., Scott O’Neal and Jeanne of Houston, Texas, David O’Neal and Paula of DeRidder, La.; brother, Hollis O’Neal and Alene of DeRidder, La.; grandchildren, Barrett O’Neal, Tate O’Neal(Mollie), Allie Kirk(Corey), Ryan O’Neal(Tiffany), Jordan O’Neal(Caitlin), Chelsea Rudd(David), Demi Neely(Kyle); great-grandchildren, Anna Kate, Cash, Beau, Zoey, Isla, Harper Jean, Owen, Olivia, Eliza Joy, Andrew, Cleo; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Nannie O’Neal; brothers, Charles Ray Bratton, David O’Neal, Ralph O’Neal; sister, Nadine Adams.
Visitation will be held on Monday, Jan. 30, 2023, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church in DeRidder, La. Visitation will continue Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023, from 9 a.m. until the time of the Funeral service at 11 a.m. Pastor Steve Graves will officiate the service. Martha O’Neal will read the eulogy. Pallbearers will be Barrett O’Neal, Tate O’Neal, Corey Kirk, David Rudd, Kyle Neely, Ryan O’Neal, Jordan O’Neal. Honorary Pallbearers will be Breck Graves, Don Harbison, Gerald Johnson, Hollis Ray O’Neal, Eddie O’Neal, Jerry Slatten, Fernando Puc. Burial will be held Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023, at 1 p.m. at Beauregard Cemetery in DeRidder, La.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Billy’s name to First Baptist Church DeRidder at 2030 Hwy. 171 W., DeRidder, LA, 70634.
Services are under the direction of Myers-Colonial Funeral Home in DeRidder, La.