George Davis O’Neal, 97, peacefully passed into God’s hands September 10, 201,9 in Deatsville. George was born in Brundidge on August 1, 1922, grew up in Troy, and graduated with a bachelors from Auburn in 1945, where he was a physical instructor for army student training, and an assistant trainer for Auburn football.  He married his Auburn sweetheart, Emma Lee Eversole, and moved back to Troy where he thrived as a Dodge-Chrysler dealer for 25 years. Many know him by his nickname, which came from his famous Dodge radio ads, “Come on down and talk to George D, “Good Deal” O’Neal!

George was very active in the community and Troy First Baptist Church where he was a long time deacon, member of the Baracka Class, and 35-year Sunday school Department chair. All four of his children were baptized at First Baptist.

In the community, George O’Neal was known as a master organizer, and served as president of Chamber of Commerce, member of the Lions club with 12-year perfect attendance, two-term chairman of the Troy School Board, chair of the Sesquicentennial Troy celebration where he grew a beard, dressed up in top hat and tails, and in 1977 he was Man of the Year in Troy. He may be most remembered for the spectacular Troy Appreciation Day-Homecoming parade for which he was the chairman for over 40 years as it grew and grew. George loved golf at Troy Country club, frequent trips to Destin, fishing in his boat in the gulf, Auburn football, and being surrounded with family and good friends.

George was preceded in death by Emma Lee Eversole O’Neal, wife and mother of his children; second wife, Margenia Arrington O’Neal; sister, Ann O’Neal Krieger; brother, William Clanton O’Neal; great-nephew, O’Neal Till, and great-great niece, Hadley Grace May.

He is survived by his children, Dave (Nancy), Stanton (Henrietta), Murray (Chris), Bonnye O’Neal Ely (Tom), and two family favorites: brother, Jim O’Neal; sister-in-law, Eleanor Borland O’Neal; nine grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, who all call him “Daddy George”, the Arrington children and grandchildren, and the many who drove  “good deal” Dodges for decades.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, September 15, at Troy First Baptist Church with brother Geoffery Span officiating.  Visitation will be held one hour earlier at 1:00 in the church parlor with Dillard Funeral Home of Troy directing.

To sign the online guest register please visit our website at www.dillardfh.com