Ricky Lynn O'Neal

Funeral services for Ricky Lynn O’Neal, 68, of Zavalla will be held Monday, May 12, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel in Lufkin with Pastor Kaice Farhat officiating. Interment will follow at 1:30 p.m. at Pace-Stancil Memorial Rest Garden in Cleveland.

Ricky was born November 22, 1956 in Nacogdoches, Texas, and died Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at his residence.

Ricky grew up in Houston, Texas with his brothers Danny and Jimmy, raised by his mother Chloie and stepfather Bob Herford. He owned and operated a metal recycling business for more than 30 years. Ricky was one of the hardest working men his family ever knew. He took pride in taking care of everyone around him. His mother, kids, grandkids, great-grandkids, nieces and nephews were the highlight of his life. Two of his all-time favorite things were catching fish and then frying it. It was never a real fish fry without the eggplant, he would say!

When his kids were growing up, they all spent a lot of time at the stables. Ricky loved riding horses. Not long before he passed, he told us that he grew to love the simple life. Sitting on the porch, watching the cows and horses graze, bar-b-cueing and watching the kids play were other things he spent his last few years doing. Ricky was so strong-willed. Even though he was going through chemo for the past four years he still strived to do the things that gave him joy. He never complained about how sick he felt and never would show it. He hated cancer and was determined to beat it. He fought hard and had faith until the very end. One thing that truly gives us comfort is knowing that he was born again before he passed away. He knew undoubtedly where he was going when it was his time.

Survivors include his daughter, Chrissy Porsche of Alvin; sons and daughter-in-law, Jeff and Heather O’Neal of Zavalla and Ryan O’Neal of Cheyenne, Wyoming; grandchildren, Cheyenne O’Neal, Ruby O’Neal, Riot O’Neal, Aubrie Bumstead, Emma Porsche, and Avery Cress; one great-grandchild; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his mother and stepfather, Chloie Nell (Harrell) and Robert L. “Bob” Herford; father, William Pat O’Neal; and brothers, Jimmy O’Neal and Danny O’Neal.

Pallbearers will be Jeff O’Neal, Riot O’Neal, Coy O’Neal, Daniel O’Neal, Zach O’Neal and Elijah Horton.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Monday morning prior to the services.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.