Lee O’Neal, age 95, of Scotland, Arkansas has passed on to his eternal home. He was the youngest sibling of 8 children born to John H. & Savannah O’Neal. Lee was born in Rupert and moved to California as a young teenager. He served in the U.S. Navy on the USS Tennessee in the late 1930’s. Thereafter, he married Rebecca Montoya of Los Angeles and started a family. Lee spent almost all of his working years in the auto sales industry until he retired. In the early 1990’s, he moved back to his original AR homeland to be with the remainder of his AR family. He was re-married in April 2004 to Vesta Campbell Knopp of Scotland, AR at the age of 87.
Lee is survived by his wife, Vesta of Scotland. He has two sons, Charles and Paul O’Neal of Sacramento, CA; 6 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren, all residents of CA. He is also survived by step-daughter, Sue Brents of Scotland, AR. as well as numerous nieces and nephews, including local residents, Nell (O’Neal) Miller, Jerry O’Neal and Jimmie O’Neal of Cleveland, AR and Kenneth Forrester of Little Rock, AR.
Lee will be remembered for his many early childhood stories of growing up during difficult economic times in rural Van Buren County, AR. His sense of humor and his “good ol’ boy” stories” will be missed. He was avid hunter and he enjoyed teaching his sons the skill. A man of simple means, he will be remembered by his family for often helping others who were less fortunate. In his last years, Lee enjoyed his membership with Scotland Baptist Church in Scotland, AR.
A Christian memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 2, 2011 at 10:00 AM at Scotland Baptist Church. Interment will be at Foster Cemetery by Lemley Funeral Service.