of Searcy, AR

November 2, 1918 - March 6, 2010

O'Neil Woods, 91, died on Saturday, March 6, 2010. He was born in Ripley, TN on November 2, 1918. He served our country for twenty years, making a career in the Army. He advanced through the ranks from a private to a chief warrant officer. He was in the fifth wave of soldiers who stormed the beaches of Normandy, France in World War II. He was wounded twice, earning two purple hearts and other medals and commendations for his military service. Using his knowledge of ballistic missiles, he worked for three years in the Gemini Space Program, launching rockets at Cape Canaveral, Florida. After retirement, he enjoyed operating the family farm. He made a big vegetable garden every year and learned to play golf in his later years. He was instrumental in organizing the effort to bring a public water line to the rural area of Highway 267. He believed in the importance of education and made certain that his two daughters earned college degrees. He was a thirty-second degree Mason. He was avidly patriotic, voting in elections, and working for many years at the polling stations. He enjoyed living independently at Harding Place in Searcy for the last eight years of his life.

O'Neil is survived by his two daughters, Patty Wilson (Clarence) of Searcy, and Pam Fason (Bob) of Conway, three grandchildren, Ashley Overstreet (Danny) of Conway, Eddie Fason of Conway, and Rebekah Hope Wilson of Searcy, and three great grandchildren, Emily and Austin Fason and Ayden Overstreet, all of Conway. He is also survived by three sisters-in-law, Anna Mae Woods of Knoxville, TN, Virginia Tolbert of Evergreen, Al, and Laverne Evans of Brewton, AL. He is survived by several nieces and a nephew, Joanne Woods of Knoxville, TN, Jackie Wilks of Las Vegas, NV, Arthur Ray Woods of Zurich, Switzerland, Alvin Tolbert of Montgomery, AL, Shelia Minchew of Brewton, AL, and Judy Faulkenberry of Evergreen, AL.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Edith Tolbert Woods, his parents, Rossie and Patty Woods, his sister, Geraldine Bernstein, his brother, R. Dell Woods, and a grandson, Wayne Fason.

Patty and Pam wish to extend special thanks to Dr. CW Koch for his expertise, attentiveness, and consistent medical care over the years. We are grateful to Dr. Glen Blue for his surgical skills, Thanks also to Hospice Home Care of Searcy for their excellent, caring service during his illness in early December.

Memorial gifts may be sent to International Health Care Foundation, 106 North Locust Street, Searcy, AR 72143. A private, family graveside service will occur at a later date.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Daniel Funeral Home
411 East Race Avenue
Searcy, AR  72145
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com