Coy Henry O'Neal

Coy Henry O’Neal, 91, went to be our Lord Friday, August 2nd, 2024 in Decatur, Texas.

The Family will receive friends at Visitation, Wednesday, August 7, from 6:00-8:00 pm at Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur, Texas. The Funeral will be Thursday, August 8th at 11:00 am at Decatur Church of Christ followed by a burial at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur.

Jake Jacobson, Carey Williams and Mark Duncum will officiate. Pallbearers include Eric White, Randy Moon, Mark Duncum, Willie Holt, Don O’Neal, and Beau Bell.

Coy was born April 16th, 1933 to Roy Mack and Daisy (Ashlock) O’Neal in Decatur, Texas. He was united in marriage, March 11, 1961 to Laverne Harder in Decatur, Texas. They were married for 41 years.

Coy’s life was spent serving his community, even at an early age of 4, he along-side his brother served in the Jr. Forest Lodge.

Coy was a grocery man for over 40 years in Decatur and Denton.

Coy was a legend in High School Football. There is something about tradition, loyalty and love of football. These were more than just words for Coy, who brought these virtues to life on the sidelines for 70 years under the Friday night lights of Decatur. Coy led the sideline crew by serving as the “Down Box Man” since he was a Decatur High School Student. One fateful night in the early 50’s, Coy left the stands to lend a hand to the short- staffed officials and didn’t stop until he reached 70 years. Coy has worked all levels of football games through 7 generations of players and coaches. His heart was Decatur Blue, and his community considered him a shining star in the Friday night lights of football. For this amazing dedication, he was recognized as one of the fifty Hometown Heroes” by the American Profile and featured on the Texas Country Reporter.

Coy was quoted as saying the three most important things in his life was family & friends, his church family at Decatur Church of Christ and Football.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and his brother, Roy Albert O’Neal.

Those left behind to cherish his memory are his nieces, Roxie Gernand of Montgomery, Texas, Patricia Young and Husband Verl of Nocona, Texas, his cousin Carey Williams and wife Amanda of Decatur, Tom Williams, Donald and Shrea Chapman, Randy Williams, Stephen and LaDonna Wren of Decatur, Texas, Don O’Neal and his wife Elizabeth of Colleyville, Texas and many other cousins, classmates, longtime friends and generations of Decatur Eagles.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Coy O’Neal Athletic Scholarship fund. Donations can be made at First State Bank on Thompson Street in Decatur.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the Decatur Medical Lodge and the Medical City Decatur Hospital for their support and care of Coy.