Arnold Gray O’Neal, Geraldine Hepler O’Neal

Published 9:03 am Tuesday, April 15, 2025

Born to Lonnie and Lizzora O’Neal on March 26, 1937 in Cooleemee, Arnold Gray “Baldy” O’Neal, was preceded in death by brothers Ebb and Leon, sisters Catherine and Mary Frances, and survived by sister Berilene.
He volunteered his service in the Army and later ran a small business for more than 60 years. Having built homes for work and personal use with his skills, it was building furniture that he enjoyed the most. Attending the Church of God from an early age, he learned to love the Lord and good music. It was there he came to know his trusted friend, partner in life and loving wife Geraldine.
She was born March 20, 1944 to Roy and Margie Hepler. The siblings were J.D., Christine, Pauline, Ann, Cleo, Helen, and Moody. She loved her hometown of Cooleemee. She graduated DCH Class of ’62 and attended University of Texas, Arlington. There was public work, but her devotion was to help her husband and family. They were married over 60 years and had three children, Arnold Jr. (Bobbi Jo), Amy O. Barbee (Joe), and Aaron. The three grandchildren, Taylor O’Neal (Jordan), Amanda Barbee, Bethany Barbee, and great grandchild Ellis O’Neal were certainly loved by both grandparents.
She too, loved the Lord and good music. Where he was a wood worker, she was a wordsmith, writing beautiful poems.
He went to his heavenly home on Dec.3, 2024 and she soon followed on March 30, 2025. Their earthly bodies were laid to rest in Cooleemee – the meaningful impact of their respective individuality and their union lives onward.