John H. “Bro Rabbit” O’Neal

Published 9:01 pm Saturday, February 28, 2015

John H. “Bro Rabbit” O’Neal

Aug. 1, 1929 – Feb. 25, 2015

God saw the road was getting rough; the hills were hard to climb.  He gently closed John’s eyes and whispered, “Peace be Thine.”

John Humphrey O’Neal was born on Aug. 1, 1929, in Hyde County, N.C., to the late Preston and Nita Whitney O’Neal. “Bro,” as he was affectionately known, departed this life on Feb. 25, 2015.

He was educated in the Beaufort County School system. At an early age, he joined the First Baptist Church of Terra Ceia community.

He spent his life working as a logger and was employed by Lloyd Smith and Wade Biggs.

John leaves to cherish his memory and sorrow in his passing his children: Rosella O. Faniel (Henry, deceased); Clara O. Horton (John), of Ahoskie; Nina O. James (Carl). of Hampton, Va.; Elder Walter O’Neal (Henrietta), of Chocowinity; Elder Wilbert O’Neal (Josephine), of Pantego; Doris O. Gibbs (Gary), of Terra Ceia; Kay O. Moore (Lessie, deceased); and Janice O. White (Swindell), of Terra Ceia; two adopted grandchildren, Bryan O’Neal (Felicia) of Chocowinity, and Timothy O’Neal, of Chocowinity; one brother and sister-in-law, Eddie and Bessie Peartree of Terra Ceia; 18 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

John was preceded in death by a son, Jay, wife, Martha, nine brothers and three sisters.

A celebration of his life will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 1, 2015, at Queens Chapel Church of God in Terra Ceia. The body will lie in state one hour prior to the service at the church. Family will receive friends at the home of Janice & Swindell White.

You may share a memory with the family and view John ‘s memorial by visiting www.hillsidefuneralservice.com

Hillside Funeral Service & Cremations, 4500 Hwy 264 E, Washington, NC has been given the honor of being entrusted with serving the O’Neal family.