William John “Bill” O’Neill, Jr., 70, of 216 Chestnut Hill, Henrico, NC died Friday, August 13, 2010 at his home after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Mr. O’Neill was a native of Plymouth, PA, the son of the late William John O’Neill, Sr. and Margaret Kelley O’Neill.  Mr. O’Neill was retired from the CIA as an analyst.  He was proud to have been a US Marine, having served his country.  He was a member of the Lakeland Theatre, Lake Gaston Lions Club, Lake Gaston AARP, Lake Gaston Water Safety Council, and he was a columnist with the Lake Gaston Gazette-Observer.  Mr. O’Neill had a passion for boating and sailing.  He was a member of St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church.

Mr. O’Neill is survived by his wife of 50 years, Patricia “Pat” H. O’Neill; his daughter, Theresa O. Morgan and her husband, Otto; two sons, Michael O’Neill and his wife, Mavis; and William O’Neill and his wife, Diane; all of Manassas, VA; three brothers, Thomas O’Neill and his wife, Anne, of Henrico; John O’Neill and his wife, Pat, of Warrenton, VA and James O’Neill; thirteen grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 930-B Wellness Dr., Greenville, NC   27834 or to Community Home Care & Hospice, 112 Long Circle, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870.

Askew Funeral & Cremation Services in Roanoke Rapids is handling the arrangements, where the family will receive friends on Monday, August 16, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 17, at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Ebony, VA at 11:00 a.m. with Father Columba Nnorom officiating.

Online condolences to the family may be made at www.askewfs.com.

The flag in front of the funeral home flies at half-staff in honor of Mr. O’Neill’s service to his country.