MILLINOCKET and ANDERSON, S.C. – Norman Reginald O’Neal, 76, husband of Barbara Faye Walters O’Neal, passed away Friday, June 22, 2012, at AnMed Health Center. Born in Millinocket, he was the son of the late Angus O’Neal and the late Lorencene Marquis O’Neal Blair.
After graduation from high school Norm began his military career in the U.S. Army as a private in 1954. He retired as a chief warrant officer 3 after 22 years of service. Among his many citations – 56 – were the awards of Distinguished Flying Cross, three Bronze Stars, three Commendation Medals and 36 Air Medals. Norm also survived being shot down on one occasion. He was a life member of Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter No. 81, Roanoke, Va., and Veteran of Foreign Wars. He was also a member of American Legion and Retired Officers Association.
Norm is survived by his wife, Barbara; daughter, Alicia G. Richey; son, Richard R. O’Neal and his wife, Cynthia; brother, Rodney O’Neal and his wife, Joan; sister, Shirley Blair Wise and her husband, Chris; grandchildren, Christopher Kennedy and Ryan Stillman and his wife, Sarah; and great-grandchildren, Haley, Kris and Madelyn Stillman.
The funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 27, in the chapel of The McDougald Funeral Home. Interment with full military honors will be afterward at M.J. Dolly Cooper Veterans Cemetery.