RALEIGH — Johnnie “J.B.” Burton O’Neal, 78, passed away Tuesday morning, Nov. 10, 2020.

He was born in Wake County, the son of the late Nancy Bailey O’Neal and Johnnie Elmo O’Neal. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by a sister, Shirley Rosson.

Johnnie grew up in the Falls of Neuse community where he enjoyed playing baseball, fishing and exploring around the river with his friends. He attended Wake Forest High School and later worked in insurance and cosmetic industries. He liked art and antiques and enjoyed traveling to the North Carolina Mountains and spending time with his family telling stories to his granddaughter, nieces and nephews.

A graveside funeral service was held 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, in Falls Community Cemetery.

Johnnie is survived by his daughter, Sonia O’Neal Cook (Wayne Perry) of Youngsville; granddaughter, Angie West Byrd (Daryl) of Raleigh; a brother, Stephen O’Neal (Sandi); a sister, Joyce Duke of Youngsville; and numerous nieces and nephews.