Ervin K. "Vic" O'Neal

Ervin K. “Vic” O’Neal

Ervin K. “Vic” O’Neal, 75, of Hot Springs Village, AR, left this earth for his home in Heaven on February 4th, 2021 after a courageous battle with COVID-19.
Beloved husband of Donna (née McCulley) for 40 years. Loving father of Deborah O’Neal of St. Charles, MO, Ervin O’Neal of Olathe, KS, his four-legged, constant companion Dexter, and fur babies Angel and Annie. He was also the beloved brother of Randy (Donna) Mobley of Southaven, MS, Peggy Stewart of Olive Branch, MS, and Ann (Terrell) Sides of Hot Springs, AR; brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, and friend to many. 
Vic was a lifelong railroader beginning his career as a Carman at the age of 18 with the Frisco Railroad (aka BNSF) in Memphis, TN. He was a hard worker and earned the respect of all he knew as he worked his way up in management culminating in a 38-year career with the railroad. Along the journey he and Donna got to see the country as they traveled and lived in nine cities/seven states, making lifelong friends and memories wherever they went. He retired from the BNSF in 2001 and enjoyed the fruits of his labor as he and Donna settled into retired life in their beautiful home in Hot Springs Village. However, his love of the railroad could not keep him away and he was called “out of retirement” accepting a consulting position for several years with Holland Transportation Company. 
Vic was born and raised in the Capleville/Oakhaven areas of Memphis, TN. He was a fierce competitor with a passion for sports. He started sports at an early age and grew to excel in both football and baseball throughout his school years. He was an incredibly talented southpaw chosen to play semi-pro baseball, but following that path was not the best plan for him at the time. Later, Vic played slow-pitch softball on many championship teams and was known for his monstrous homeruns. An avid golfer, he enjoyed playing on some of the most beautiful courses from Hawaii to his own backyard. Anyone who spent time around him had no trouble knowing that his favorite team was the St. Louis Cardinals simply due to his extensive wardrobe of red and gray t-shirts portraying the birds on the bat.
He was a charismatic leader and teacher, both on the job and in his personal life. A 19-year member of Balboa Baptist Church, Vic treasured the community and all the friends with whom he worshipped. As a member, he volunteered his time and love of cooking by ministering to the AWANAs and Youth of the church. Vic’s cooking was wildly popular, and he was lovingly referred to as “Chef Vic.” He also volunteered his time to cook or provide support to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) as needed. 
On behalf of Vic, the family would like to express their sincerest thanks to Dr. Kristi Sutton, his primary care physician, who was truly his guardian angel. On first contact, she suspected something was wrong, and after quite the battle to convince a stubborn man to go immediately for further testing, he was diagnosed with a serious heart condition that undetected would have taken him from us 10 years ago. Her devotion, care, and friendship, along with that of his cardiologist Dr. Fred Heinemann, is something Vic was, and the family is, forever grateful. 
Vic is preceded in death by his parents Oscar “Pete” and Anna Louise O’Neal, brothers Harrold Siler and Bobby Siler and sister Virginia Underwood.
A Celebration of Life will be held on February 27th at Balboa Baptist Church Outreach Center, 415 Ponce de Leon Dr, Hot Springs Village, AR. Visitation from 10-11am, with service immediately following. Service will also be livestreamed via the Balboa Baptist Church Facebook page.
In lieu of flowers and in keeping with Vic’s life of faith, helping those in need and love of animals, contributions in his memory may be made and sent to: Balboa Baptist Church Disaster Relief Program, 415 Ponce de Leon Dr, Hot Springs Village, AR 71909; Fellowship of Christian Athletes, 18320 Highway 67, Malvern, AR 72104 or Hot Springs Village Animal Welfare League, 195 Cloaca Lane, Hot Springs Village, AR 71909.
All condolences and tributes can be made at www.cedarvalefuneralhome.com