Rodney Lelon O’Neal

Rodney Lelon O’Neal, 70, of Blytheville, passed away Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024 at his home.

Rodney was born in Blytheville to Bobby R. O’Neal, Sr. and Mary Katherine Dyer O’Neal. He was a 1971 graduate of Blytheville High School and a graduate of Arkansas State University. He was employed by the Mississippi County Emergency Management where he was a GIS surveyor and part of the signage team. Rodney was a devout Christian and a faithful member of Ridgecrest Baptist Church.

Rodney’s passion for music greatly influenced his life. As an extremely talented guitarist, he was blessed with a God-given ability to play music by ear. Although he enjoyed listening and playing a variety of music, he particularly liked rock and roll, especially the Beatles. For the last 26 years of his musical career, he was lead guitarist for Traxion, a Northeast Arkansas band. Rodney was a talented songwriter, but was always reluctant to share his songs publicly. Rodney helped engineer numerous musical projects with area musicians. He also enjoyed teaching and helping young musicians. Not only will Rodney be remembered for his musical talents, but more importantly his kindness, faithfulness, and being a humble servant to his friends and family.

Rodney is survived by his brother, Bob O’Neal, Jr. and his wife, Leslie, of Bentonville; niece, Paige Mhoon, and her husband, Brian, of Bentonville; nephew, Joshua O’Neal, and his wife, Lindy; and great-nieces and nephew, Saylor, Anniston and Hyson O’Neal, all of Rogers; and his longtime companion, Michalene Connealy.

Funeral services will be held Friday, Sept. 6, at 2 p.m. at Ridgecrest Baptist Church with Randy Jumper officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until service time at Ridgecrest Baptist Church. The family requests memorials be made in Rodney’s honor to Ridgecrest Baptist Church in Blytheville or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.