Leroy (Hot Rod) O'Neal, of Panama City, FL passed away Friday, April 11, 2014, at Bay Medical, Sacred Heart Hospital.

He worked as a pipe fitter on the Liberty Ships at Wainwright Shipyard during World War II. He retired after 35 years as an auto mechanic at Cook-Whitehead Ford.  After retirement, he moved to Red Bull Island in Wewahitchka where he loved fishing, hunting and working with his honeybees.

He was born in Doran, Georgia on April 15, 1913.  He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Abbie Lee Boutwell; parents, Ada and Dan O'Neal; three brothers; and two sisters.

He is survived by two sons, Jerry and James O'Neal; a daughter Annette Rash (Richard);  two granddaughters, Melissa Banks ( Mark), and Kimberly O'Neal all of Panama City; three grandsons, Ricky Rash (Barbara) of Tallahassee, Ryan Caporale (Deborah) of Panama City, Jason Curphey (Amy ) of  Guyton, GA; six great-grandchildren, Chad Rash, Tallahassee, FL, Abbie Guy and Evan Caporale of Panama City, FL, and Rachel, Destaney and Hailey Curphey all of Guyton, GA.

A visitation will be held on Monday from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. at Wilson Funeral Home. A graveside service will follow at 11 a.m. on Monday at Evergreen Memorial Gardens, Hwy 231, with Reverend John Broome officiating.

Those desiring, may make memorial contributions to your church or favorite charity.