Obituary of Handy O'Neal

Handy Eugene O’Neal III was born to Mr. and Mrs. Carrrie Mae Dixon and Handy O’Neal Jr. on September 20th, 1956, in historic Lawnside, NJ at 11 Atlantic Avenue. He was the fourth child out of eleven children. Handy attempted to make his grand entrance by entering the world backward during his miraculous birth. He was manually turned by his grandmother, Ms. Viola Dixson, who was also a midwife from Greenville, SC. She told his mother “This one is going to be different”! His Story Begins… Handy O’Neal was educated in the Lawnside Public School System as a youth. He went to the Prestigious Haddon Heights High School where he graduated in 1974. He began his working journey with Conco Corrosin Co. in the 1970s, where he excelled as an auto mechanic. He then worked for the State of NJ in Camden as a fuel attendant from 1978-1983. Handy was a man of many talents which he showcased throughout his life. In the 1990’s he worked as a machinist making musical instruments in Browns Mills, NJ. His zest for something new landed him at the Seabrook House in Vineland, NJ where he worked as a floor technician. His final occupation brought out a different part of him. He worked as a farming assistant and agriculture specialist. He performed farming duties as well as driving the tractor around the land. Handy has a new role in the heavenly working company where the CEO is God! He was affectionately known as Junior or June by his immediate family. Handy went by “Gene” as a young man because he didn’t want to be confused with his grandfather or father. Besides, he thought that the name “Gene” was cool. Mr. O’Neal was quite the jokester and comedian in the family who loved pulling pranks in his younger days. You see he had a unique sense of humor. He’d often laugh at his own jokes. His most famous stunt was assisted by his sister “Middy” Aurelia.. Handy and Aurelia were born ten months apart so as kids they were close. The two took an empty bottle out of their grandmother’s room and filled it with water and proceed to seal it. This would be her birthday gift from them. She knew that the mastermind behind the prank was Handy! He loved a good laugh with his siblings. Handy loved his siblings more they could ever know even when he wasn’t around. His patience for people never went unnoticed. His father saw that trait in him. His father asked him to teach his sister Jeanette how to drive a stick shift because he didn’t have the patience for it! Handy Jr. had a calming energy about him that was tangible. His infectious smile would make you smile. Handy had a tremendous love for his family. Those that know him know that he shared a special bond with each of his siblings. He’d let you know that he loved you after every gathering or even if it was a phone call. He really wanted you to know that he loved you. Handy was an avid sports fan who loved watching football and baseball on his huge flatscreen TV in his favorite recliner. He shared the last three years of his life with his companion Zina. His love for her was immense; he was on his way back to his love before he went on to his journey to glory. Handy was an avid sports fan who loved watching football and baseball on his huge flatscreen TV in his favorite recliner. He shared the last three years of his life with his companion Zina. His love for her was immense; he was on his way back to his love before he went on to his journey to glory. There are so many things to say about a man who needed more time. Know that he lived his 64 years the best way he knew how with what he was given throughout his life. Our lives have truly been enriched by his enormous presence. Handy was preceded in death by his parents Mr. Handy O’Neal Jr. and Mrs. Carrie Mae O’Neal, brother Samuel R. O’Neal and brother-in-law John W. Chapman. He leaves to cherish his precious memories: two sons, Aaron Cauthorne and Derrick Cauthorne. two daughters, Evelyn “Niecy” Lewis and Erica Cauthorne; four sisters: Jeanette Barthell (Willie), Aurelia O’Neal-Ancrum (Ricardo), Carol O’Neal-Chapman, and Mary O’Neal; five brothers: Esau O’Neal (Michelle), Dennis O’Neal, David O’Neal, Raymond O’Neal (Trisha), and Russell O’Neal. He leaves to cherish his precious love and devotion to Ms. Zina Branch, his companion. He leaves behind a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and friends.