Richard Haywood "Nig" O'Neal

March 26, 1936-October 28, 2024

Tomnolen, Mississippi

Richard Haywood "Nig" O'Neal passed away peacefully at his home in Tomnolen, Mississippi on October 28, 2024, at 88 years of age.

He lived and loved life fully. "Nig" as he was affectionately known by family and friends was married to Martha Brown O'Neal for 54 years. He was the son of Otha Edward O'Neal and Lois Connie Golding O'Neal. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and infant brother, Edward O'Neal.

Nig retired from Babcock and Wilcox in West Point, Mississippi at the early age of 52. He spent the remainder of his years on his beloved farm in Tomnolen enjoying time with his family, friends, and pets. His place was a gathering spot for his many buddies to get together where everyone felt at home.

Nig attended Alva High School where he was voted most handsome, best dressed, and Mr. Alva High School. With his flashy convertible cars, he caught the eyes of all the pretty girls, but he only had eyes for one, Martha.

With his photographic memory, Nig was everyone's go-to man when it came to the make and model of any car, and the history on everyone in Webster County. It was never a surprise to see Nig running around town or riding the back roads in his side-by-side or his favorite truck, he affectionately named the "Mid-Night Rider."

After Martha's death, he spent quality time with his three girls making beautiful memories that will live in their hearts forever. Natalie, Marsha, and Deb will tell you that Nig was the best Daddy a girl could have. He instilled many important values in them to include their love for the Lord, family and friends first, not to sweat the small stuff, to always have a BIG time and run "cool and loose".

Nig is survived by three daughters: Natalie O'Neal DeLoach (Larry) of Holcomb, Mississippi, Marsha O'Neal Quillen (Dr. Timothy) of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Deborah Gayle O'Neal of Tomnolen, Mississippi, 10 grandchildren: Kathryn O'Neal Salley, Joseph Ross Salley (Kristen), Bryan Richard DeLoach, Charles Bradley DeLoach, Matthew Ray Quillen, John Hampton Quillen, William Hudson Quillen, Charles Putnam Quillen, Wesley Thad Miller (Ashley), and Sarah Beth Miller, 5 great grandchildren: Ari Renae Porter, Rickelle Riley Porter, William Thad Miller, Jackson Paul Miller, and Anna Glenn Carpenter.

A visitation will be held from 12:00 until 2:00 pm om Saturday, November 2, at Wise Reed Funeral Home. Funeral services will immediately follow at 2:00 pm in the funeral home's chapel. Interment and graveside service will take place at the Edgeworth Cemetery with Brother Willy Weddle officiating the services.

Wise Reed Funeral Home oversaw all arrangements.