William Maurice O'Neal

William Maurice O’Neal also known to his family as “Uncle Billy” was born the fifth of seven children on December 18, 1954, to the union of Winfred, Sr. and Alfred O’Neal in San Antonio, Texas. Billy excepted Christ at an early age and attended Emmanuel AME Church with his mother and siblings. Before his passing, he attended House of Refuge Church in Washington. Billy received his formal education in the San Antonio Independent School District. Following high school he started his journey at Huston Tillotson College in Austin, Texas.

Billy found that the college life was not for him, so he decided to enlist in the U.S. Navy. He was stationed in San Diego, California , Okinawa Japan, Corpus Christi, Texas and Bremerton, Washington where he retired as an E6 1st Class HMI Corpsmen (Medic) after serving 20 years. Billy was deployed to the Gulf War known as the Desert Storm from August 2, 1990 until February 28, 1991.

Following retirement, he decided to go back to college to pursue his major in safety, he graduated with an associate degree from Olympia College. Billy loved education so much, he decided to purse his bachelor’s degree in safety and health graduating from American Public University. While in college, he worked for Settle City Lights and after 20 years of service he retired as the Senior Safety and Health Specialist.

Billy departed this life on Sunday, November 26, 2023. He was proceeded in death by his parents: Winfred O’Neal, Sr. and Alfreda Maurice O’Neal; brothers, Milton “Button” O’Neal and Ronald O’Neal; his only son, Anthony O’Neal and great-granddaughter, E’lonne Powell. He leaves to cherish his memory two brothers, Winfred O’Neal, Jr. (Patricia) and Bruce O’Neal (Anita); two sisters, Wynell White (Preston) and Patrice O”neal; three daughters, Africa Carter, Terrie Carter and Meosha Crawford (Wesley). Billy had 11; grandchildren; Briana Straight, Maja Carter, Charles Carter, Eyante’ Carter, Jeivon Rigers, Jeida Rogers, Brandon O’Neal, Charles Oglesby, A’lasia Crawford, Xi’errah Crawford and Arttravia Stevenson and 11 great-grandchildren: Khalil Oglesby (Charles), Maja, Jr., Ariah and Makoi Carter (Maja), Eveah, Eyiana, and Eyion Powell, Bryton Dozier (Briana), Ky’vonae and Zy’vian Rogers (Jeida) and I’shanna Stevenson along with a host of nieces, nephews and other family and friends.