Burley Charles O'Neal

 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Burley Charles O’Neal, who went to meet his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on April 4, 2025, at the age of 89. Born in Corpus Christi, Texas, on September 1, 1935, Charles lived a life marked by love, dedication, and service to his family, and faith.

A devoted husband to Shirley for 63 years, a loving father to Debbie and Brenda, and a proud, doting grandfather to Kayla and West, Charles was a man whose presence was felt by all who knew him. He was a hardworking and kind-hearted individual, serving as an Army veteran, a Gold Star Longshoreman, and a cowboy through and through.  Charles was an accomplished calf roper.  He spent many hours on horseback, either roping calves or training his horses.   One of his most special titles was the 1956 S.R.A. Champion Calf Roper on Scrap Iron. Throughout his life he went to many rodeos and calf ropings.  As a member of the Texas Senior ProRodeo Association, Charles won many calf roping awards, but perhaps his greatest joy was the cherished friendships he formed through the rodeo community. His warm spirit and ever-present smile made him a friend to everyone he met. Charles gave his life to Christ at a young age, and his unwavering faith was the cornerstone of his life. He was baptized at First Baptist Church in Orange Grove, where he also served on many committees. Later, he became a member of River Hills Baptist Church and The Grove Baptist Church.  Charles was passionate about sharing the love of Christ, always eager to spread His message with others.

Charles is survived by his loving wife, Shirley O’Neal, his daughters Debbie O’Neal and Brenda Henderson of Orange Grove, TX, his grandchildren Kayla Ruschhaupt (Colton) of New Braunfels, TX, and West Henderson of Weatherford, TX, his sister Virginia Edwards (Donald dec.) of Katy, Texas, and his brother Wayne O’Neal (Katy), of Orange Grove, TX. He is also survived by numerous extended family members and many dear friends who will miss him deeply.

Charles was preceded in death by his father, Burley C. O’Neal, his mother, Emma (Smith) O’Neal, his sisters Ruby (George) Harris and Doris (Bob) Morris, and his in-laws, Jean and Arvel Meador.

We take comfort in knowing that Dad’s legacy lives on through the lessons he taught us, the love he shared, and the many precious memories we will forever hold in our hearts.

A Visitation will be held Thursday, April 10, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM, with a Funeral Service at 1:30 PM at Holmgreen Mortuary 2061 E. Main Street Alice, TX. A Burial will follow at 2:45 PM at Sons of Hermann Cemetery in Orange Grove, TX.

Services are entrusted to Holmgreen Mortuary, located at 2061 East Main Street, Alice, Texas.

Condolences for the family may be offered at www.holmgreenmortuaryinc.com and shared via Holmgreen Mortuary Facebook.

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