Birth Date: 09/22/1926
Deceased Date: 04/29/2023
Johnnie Burton O’Neal passed away peacefully on April 29, 2023 after a prolonged illness. Born September 22, 1926 in Johnston County, he lived 96 years on the land of his ancestors as a caring husband and father, successful farmer, steward of the land and community elder. His parents James Willard and Myrtle O’Neal and 8 siblings preceded him in death. His beloved wife of over 56 years, Grace Lee O’Neal, passed away in 2000. Together they raised three daughters, Patricia Lee O’Neal (deceased in 1983), Janet O’Neal of Chapel Hill and Susan Elaine O’Neal of Alamance County. He has many nieces and nephews in NC and beyond.
Johnnie lived his entire life on the land he loved in Johnston County traveling away only for army service in World War II arriving in the Philippines just as peace with Japan had been declared. He was a man accustomed to hard work and learned to be self-sufficient in his youth during the post-depression years and knew how to fix anything or would “figure it out”. Like many of his generation, he kept his feelings to himself and demonstrated his beliefs through his actions.
He was a generous man who was as quick to help someone in need of a hand as he was to share vegetables from his garden. During his wife’s prolonged illness, he learned to be a caregiver and a good cook and cared for her at home for over ten years and continued to visit her daily as she lived in a nursing home for 6 years. After her death, he continued to visit the residents of Smithfield Manor for many years delivering a friendly visit and banana to residents every week. For his consistent concern for the residents, he was honored by the staff who knew him as the Banana Man. Johnnie was a life-long member of Antioch Baptist Church where he attended for many years although he was equally comfortable talking to God walking through the woods on a Sunday morning.
He was a charter member of the Antioch Volunteer Fire department and served as Fire Chief from 1970-75 and helped build the original fire station. He was always proud to serve his community in this way and has been grateful for the assistance he has received from first responders during his illness. Johnnie was a member of the Selma Masonic Lodge and describes the Masons simply as men trying to lead a good life and help others. He succeeded in doing both.
Services will include visitation at Parrish Funeral Home on May 2 from 5:30-7 and a Memorial Service at Antioch Baptist Church on May 3 at 1:00.
His daughters Janet and Susan extend deep gratitude for the care he has received from at-home caregivers for the last 7 years and from his hospice team, for the ever-present support of loving neighbors and for the caring meals, cards and visits from the Antioch Baptist Church community.
