John Henry O’Neal, 73, of Mocksville, died on Friday, July 17, 2015, at Gordon Hospice Home in Statesville after a period of declining health.

A native and lifelong resident of Davie County, he was born on Oct. 8, 1941, to the late John Frank O’Neal and Stella Tutterow O’Neal. He was the widower of Frances Cranfill O’Neal, who died July 4, 2010. They were married for 49 years.  Mr. O’Neal honorably served his country in the U.S. Army (1960-1962). He retired as a long-distance truck driver, having worked for Christy Trucking, and he served in law enforcement with the Davie County Sheriff’s Dept., the Mocksville Police Dept. and the NC Dept. of Corrections. He enjoyed his membership in the Piedmont Antique Power Association and was a long-time member of Center United Methodist Church.

Survivors: daughters, Charlene O’Neal Hayes and husband James of Mocksville and San Jose, Calif., and Tammy O’Neal of Mocksville; a brother, Bill O’Neal and wife Ruby of Mocksville; a sister-in-law, Retha Gaither and husband Curtis of Harmony; 6 grandchildren, Krista Manning (Tommy), Brittney Taylor, Austin Moody, Nicholas Moody, Johnathan Britt (Courtney) and Josh Britt; and 5 great-grandchildren, Olivia and Charles Henry Manning, Raylan Kase Britt, Kaden Clark Castle and Kaylee Michelle Ollis.

The family received friends on Monday, July 20 at Davie Funeral Service Chapel. The celebration of life service was held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 21 at Center United Methodist Church officiated by the Revs. John Erwin and Greg McEwen. Burial followed in the church cemetery with full military honors to be accorded by the VFW Memorial Honor Guard and the NC National Guard Honors Team.

Memorials: Hospice of Iredell, 2347 Simonton Rd., Statesville, 28625; or to PAPA, PO Box 1041, Mocksville.

Condolences: www.daviefuneralservice.com.