Hollis Culver O'Neal

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Hollis Culver O'Neal, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, who left us on June 19, 2026, at the age of 93. Born on August 28, 1932, in Sabine Parish, Louisiana, Hollis lived a full life, filled with stories and laughter that will resonate with everyone who knew him.

Hollis' early days were spent working in the paint and body trade before partnering with his brother Ralph to establish O'Neal's Feeders Supply, which became a staple in DeRidder for decades. He held the title of president until his well-deserved retirement in his mid-80s. Along the way, he made significant contributions as a board member of the First National Bank of Commerce and later at the First National Bank of Lake Charles in the late '80s. A true community man, Hollis was an active member of the DeRidder Civitan Club and dedicated himself to First Baptist Church of DeRidder for over 53 years, where he served faithfully as a deacon and earned a reputation as a respected Sunday school teacher. Hollis was also in the Army of two years, serving at Fort Hood and Fort Knox.

When not working, you could find Hollis enjoying the great outdoors, fishing, hunting, and sharing his treasures with others who would enjoy them. Though he loved to boat and teach skiing, he was known for his good-natured admission that he couldn't actually ski or swim! A gifted storyteller, Hollis regaled family and friends with tales from his childhood about growing up with his siblings, often bringing smiles and laughter to everyone around him.

In school, Hollis was voted "Most Handsome" during his high school years at DeRidder High School, charming everyone even as he took on the role of bus driver in his senior year. He often joked that he earned his "Bachelor's degree" from all the years he spent in DeRidder schools.

Hollis is survived by his loving wife, Alene O'Neal; children, Hollis Ray O'Neal (Corky), Karen O'Neal Graffius, Jeremy Morvent; grandchildren, Hollis Ray O'Neal “Bud”(Katie), John O'Neal “Jake” Graffius, Stephen Rea Graffius (Aviva), Emily June Graffius, Addison Grace Morvent; great grandchildren, Ava June O'Neal, Adelaide Joyce O'Neal, Colin Flynn O'Neal, Eliezer Lyon Graffius; numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends who will cherish his memory.

Hollis was preceded in death by his parents, George O'Neal and Nancy Rosie Arledge Bratton O'Neal; brothers, Charles Ray Bratton, Ralph O'Neal, David O'Neal, Billy O'Neal; sister, Nadine Bratton Adams; first wife, Alice June Norris; grandchild, Kelly June O'Neal, son-in-law, John Graffius.

A public visitiaton will be held on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at First Baptist Church of DeRidder, visitation will continue on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, from 9:00 AM until time of service at 10:00 AM. Brother Jerry Masters and Brother Nelson Santa Ana will officiate the service. Pallbearers will be David O’Neal, Scott O’Neal, Billy Thea O’Neal, Edward O’Neal, Ed Raiford, and Kevin Howard. Honorary pallbearers will be George Fontenot, Gerald Johnson, Gary Blackmon. Following the service, he will be laid to rest at Beauregard Cemetery in Deridder, LA.

Please join us in honoring a wonderful man who touched the lives of many. He will be deeply missed, but his stories and legacy will live on in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Our Lady of the Lake foundation in memory of Kelly June O’Neal.