Richard O'Neal

Richard was a decorated veteran of the United States Navy serving as an EM2 aboard the

Saratoga for four years before being honorably discharged. Richard trusted Jesus Christ as his Savior at the age of 27. After answering the call to preach, he moved his family to Nashville, TN, to attend the Free Will Baptist Bible College where he would earn a Bachelor of Arts and a Master’s degree in Ministry. Richard was self-employed, an electrician by trade with a Master electrical license in Virginia and Tennessee where he owned and operated electrical contracting businesses in both states.

Richard became an ordained minister within the Free Will Baptist Denomination, starting Shoreline Free Will Baptist Church in Virginia Beach. Later, Richard would continue in ministry by becoming a member of Virginia Beach FWB Church, leading evangelistic ministries such as the Prison ministry, preaching in homeless shelters and nursing homes, teaching Sunday School and discipleship classes, and conducting couples counseling ultimately fulfilling his calling unto the Lord.

Richard was a beloved husband to Bobbi for 58 years, and a faithful father to Danny & Jonathan, grandfather to 3 wonderful grandchildren, Hannah O’Neal, Nathan O’Neal, and Joseph O’Neal.

As a faithful servant, he was an avid reader and continual learner, auditing numerous Bible classes. He loved singing in church and in the various ministries where he served. Richard had a passion for souls and shared the good news of Jesus with everyone he encountered, doing the work of an evangelist.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Ellis & Lillian O’Neal along with his brother Donald O’Neal. He is survived by his loving wife Bobbi O’Neal, his sons Danny (April), and Jonathan, his grandchildren Hannah, Nathan, and Joseph, his sister Elaine (Don) Murphy, and a host of other family members.