Daniel Eldon O'Neal, Jr, Big Dan age 86, passed away on Friday, June 15, 2012 at his home in Ruston, Louisiana surrounded by his loving family and wife of 62 years, Jimmie Parker O'Neal. He was born in Sibley, Louisiana on January 24, 1926. He graduated from Choudrant High School and attended Louisiana Tech University where he met the love of his life, Jimmie Parker. Dan very proudly served his country in the United States Army in the Philippine Islands during World War II, after his service of duty, he became the Proprietor of the Dr. Pepper & Seven-Up Bottling Company in Ruston. Dan enjoyed life and everyone he met. He always had a story and grinned from ear to ear telling it. Hunting, fishing and enjoying the camp life with buddies, son and grandsons were true passions for him. He was also very involved in his community as a board member and later chairman of the board at Community Trust Bank 1977-1996, serving as an elder at Alabama Presbyterian Church, Rotary Club and member of Barak Shrine. Dan also was a big supporter of Louisiana Tech University especially Louisiana Tech Basketball and Little League Baseball. He was preceded in death by his father, Daniel Eldon O'Neal, Sr, and his mother Francis Mary Fannie Mae Land O'Neal both from Sibley, Louisiana; daughter Charlene O'Neal Best and grandson Jim Taylor Best Bo both from Ruston, Louisiana; brother Frank O'Neal from Shreveport, Louisiana. Surviving him is his wife Jimmie, daughter Jan O'Neal Murphy and husband Randall from Ruston; son Dan O'Neal, III and wife Lynne from Sibley, Louisiana; grandchildren Anna Mitchell Cox and husband Christian, Parker Mitchell, Katie Best Clark and husband Cullen; Adam O'Neal all from Ruston, Louisiana; Daniel O'Neal of Sibley, Louisiana and Heather O'Neal Chambliss and husband Donnie from Southaven, Mississippi; Great grandchildren Karis and Claire Chambliss; Cullen, Anna Kate, and Nealy Clark and Caroline Cox; sister Ruth O'Neal Walpole and brother-in-law J.N. Walpole from Ruston, Louisiana; sister in-law Neddie O'Neal from Shreveport, Louisiana and brother-in-law Warren Parker from Monroe, Louisiana; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank their many family and friends that gave them support through their love and prayers. The service will be held at Alabama Presbyterian Church in Sibley, Louisiana on Monday, June 18, 2012 at 4:00 P.M. under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Homes of Ruston. A time of visitation and fellowship will be after the service in the Family Life Center of the church. Pallbearers are John O'Neal of Sibley, Louisiana; John Emory of Ruston, Louisiana; Sam Henry of Monroe, Louisiana; John Tom James of Ruston, Louisiana; Steve Walpole of Ruston, Louisiana; Billy Joe Bagwell of Homer, Louisiana; James Ray Watts of Sibley, Louisiana; Phillip Carroll of Ruston, Louisiana; and Bobby Smith of Sibley, Louisiana. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Dan O'Neal to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 262 Danny Thomas Place; Memphis, Tennessee 38105, Charlene Best Math Department Fund of I. A. Lewis School 1000 Mitchell Ave Ruston, LA 71270 or Alabama Presbyterian Church 2091 Hwy. 145 North; Choudrant, LA 71227. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com.