Obituary for Iven "Bruce" O'Neal
Iven Bruce O’Neal, 96, died Wednesday, April 12, 2023, at family’s home in Southaven, Mississippi. A visitation will be held April 16, 2023 from 1pm to 2 pm with a funeral service commencing subsequently at Hernando Funeral Home (2285 Hwy 51 S in Hernando, MS 38673). Interment will follow later on April 24th at 2 pm at Oakwood Cemetery, Tunica, Mississippi. Hernando Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Bruce O’Neal was born on May 15, 1926 in Schlater, Mississippi. He spent his formative years in the delta town of Sledge, Mississippi. He was the 7th son of Mary Etta and William Dudley O’Neal. Following graduation from Sledge High School, he served in the US Army in both the Atlantic and Pacific Theaters of WWII, earning the Bronze Star. The Bronze Star awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States in a combat theater, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service. After his service to country, Bruce returned to advance his education using the GI Bill, enrolling in the Bowling Green Business University (now Western Kentucky University) and matriculating with a BA degree in business.
Bruce’s career jobs started with Ford Motor Company and he followed the company’s opportunities to California. Later he shifted his business experience to the insurance offices of Transamerica.
He enjoyed the discovery of the family Genealogy as well as traveling with family and friends, especially trips to different regions of Mexico. His favorite trip was flying from the East Coast to Great Britain and Ireland then returning on board the QE2.
He leaves behind a host of relatives and friends that he has stated “completes my family”, defining a group that will continue to cherish his love and memory: his sister, Laura Sue O'Neal of Memphis, a plethora of nephews and nieces, associated great nephews and nieces as well as close cousins. So many considered him the patriarch of a large Irish American Family.
Besides his parents, Bruce is preceded in death by six brothers- Bilbo, Robert “Glenn”, Stanford, Ralph, William Dudley “Jack” Jr, Harl “Bud” and his sister Pauline O’Neal Darby.
While the flowers present today are wonderful; those looking for an alternative, a welcome donation to the upkeep of the O’Neal-Dunn Cemetery is appreciated.
O'Neal Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund 101 State St. Duck Hill, MS. 38925
Hernando Funeral Home
www.hernandofuneralhome.com
662-429-5260
Bruce O’Neal was born on May 15, 1926 in Schlater, Mississippi. He spent his formative years in the delta town of Sledge, Mississippi. He was the 7th son of Mary Etta and William Dudley O’Neal. Following graduation from Sledge High School, he served in the US Army in both the Atlantic and Pacific Theaters of WWII, earning the Bronze Star. The Bronze Star awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States in a combat theater, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service. After his service to country, Bruce returned to advance his education using the GI Bill, enrolling in the Bowling Green Business University (now Western Kentucky University) and matriculating with a BA degree in business.
Bruce’s career jobs started with Ford Motor Company and he followed the company’s opportunities to California. Later he shifted his business experience to the insurance offices of Transamerica.
He enjoyed the discovery of the family Genealogy as well as traveling with family and friends, especially trips to different regions of Mexico. His favorite trip was flying from the East Coast to Great Britain and Ireland then returning on board the QE2.
He leaves behind a host of relatives and friends that he has stated “completes my family”, defining a group that will continue to cherish his love and memory: his sister, Laura Sue O'Neal of Memphis, a plethora of nephews and nieces, associated great nephews and nieces as well as close cousins. So many considered him the patriarch of a large Irish American Family.
Besides his parents, Bruce is preceded in death by six brothers- Bilbo, Robert “Glenn”, Stanford, Ralph, William Dudley “Jack” Jr, Harl “Bud” and his sister Pauline O’Neal Darby.
While the flowers present today are wonderful; those looking for an alternative, a welcome donation to the upkeep of the O’Neal-Dunn Cemetery is appreciated.
O'Neal Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund 101 State St. Duck Hill, MS. 38925
Hernando Funeral Home
www.hernandofuneralhome.com
662-429-5260