He was born in Magee, Mississippi, on January 23, 1949, to the late Mr. Otto O’Neal and Mrs. Minnie Mae Manning O’Neal. From the beginning, his life reflected a faithful spirit and an honest, grounded approach to the world—values that guided him through every season.
A beloved and cherished presence to those who knew him, Jerry will be remembered for the steady strength of his character, his compassion, loyalty, and thoughtful way of caring for others, offered quietly and sincerely.
A devoted and hard-working man, Jerry built a remarkable career with AAA Cooper Transportation, retiring in 2014. Through decades of work, he earned respect not by seeking attention, but through consistency, generosity of time and effort, and the kind of wise leadership that made others better simply by working alongside him.
Jerry married Mrs. Janice Bridges, on February 7, 1975, and to this union they were blessed with two daughters and one son. He took deep pride in his family, and those closest to him knew the strength of his devotion—steady, faithful, and enduring. He believed in doing what is right, in showing up, and in passing along a strong work ethic, especially to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren through both words and examples.
In his everyday joys, Jerry’s warmth shone through. He loved spending time with family, hunting, fishing with his best fishing buddy, Terry Whitehead, and he was passionate about his yardwork.
Jerry is preceded in death by his parents; Otto O’Neal and Minnie Mae O’Neal
Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Janice O’Neal; daughters, Jennifer Scott (John Hilburn) and Jodi Couey (Bobby); son, Christopher O’Neal (Cyndi); grandchildren, Landon O’Neal (Chloe), Caitlyn Fountain (Glenn), Jared Scott (Lauren), Cadee Martin (Zach), Izzy Scott, and Mackenzie Shedd; great-grandchildren, Walker O’Neal, Haven Grace O’Neal, Bryleigh O’Neal, Parker O’Neal, Sawyer Martin, and baby Scott on the way; and sisters, Betty Peak and Dianne Buckhalter.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday June 30, 2026, from 6:00pm-8:00pm at Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home in Pearl, Mississippi. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 11:00am at the funeral home. Interment will be at New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery in Magee, Mississippi.
Serving as pallbearers will be Landon O’Neal, Jared Scott, Zach Martin, Jeremy Buckhalter, Noah Niskala, Pat Gilmer, Bobby Shedd, and Trey Scott.
