M. Herbert “Herb” Oneal
Floral City, Fla. — January 25, 2026, age 94
Herb Oneal died peacefully under hospice care at Fairway Oaks Center in Tampa. He was born in Tampa on July 11, 1931, the second of five children of the late Mastin Hampton and Pauline (Lee) Oneal. He graduated from Hillsborough High School and began his working life helping his father’s grocery‑hardware store in Belmont Heights.
At 21, on his birthday, Herb joined Tampa Electric Company. Starting as a laborer with a shovel, then becoming a lineman that required him to climb the electric poles with gloves and spikes strapped to his legs and shoes. This was before the bucket truck was invented. Due to his experience and knowledge, he rose to high‑line patrolman, driving a 4‑wheel‑drive Jeep along the power lines and preparing repair reports. There were times when he would have to ride in a helicopter to inspect the high-lines in remote locations or over the water. He retired after 35 years of dedicated service.
In 1951, while both were 20, Herb eloped with Alice McCullough at the Georgia state line; they returned to Florida for a one‑night honeymoon in St. Augustine. Their son, Floyd D. Oneal, was born a year later.
Herb and Alice shared a love of bowling, camping, and fishing. After retiring, they toured the United States in their motorhome and settled in Floral City in 1989. There they built a canal‑front home near the Withlacoochee River, where Herb became known as the “Old Oaks Ranger” for his tireless handyman work and daily neighborhood checks.
A man of the old‑school ethic—“if it broke, you fixed it”—Herb was respected for his common sense, grit, and ingenuity. He remained active in community groups such as Too Far, Old Oaks Association, and Share Club.
He lived at home until August 2025, when a fall and subsequent health needs led him to move to a Tampa nursing facility, where he spent his final months.
Survived by
* Alice Oneal (94) – wife
* Floyd Oneal (Naomi) – son, Tampa
* Donald Oneal and Claude Oneal – brothers, Tampa
* Grandsons Aaron Oneal (Melissa) and Chris Oneal (Stacey)
* Great‑grandchildren Kira, Noah, Aerielle, and Logan
Preceded in death by his parents, Mastin and Pauline Oneal, and sisters Betty (Batten) and Sylvia (Blanco).
Arrangements are entrusted to Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home, Inverness, with cremation.
“Your strength will forever uplift us.”
6 Comments
Pap was a wonderful grandfather and an important part of my life. I will forever be grateful for his love, help, and generosity.
He will be dearly missed by family and friends
I feel so lucky to have had my grandfather in my life to help me learn during those in-between moments when my parents needed a well-deserved break. How to fish. How to clean a fish. How *not* to pick up a snake. How to build a deck. How to paddle a canoe. How to drive a car or boat. How to work on cars and engines and get my hands dirty. How to be a friend to others. How to support family.
Each generation hopes they can pass along the best parts of themselves to the next. I cherish what he passed along to me, it has carried me through many days of life, and I hope I can do as well as he did to pass along values and legacy within family.
Pap, I am blessed to have had you in my life so long, but still sad our time together has ended. I love you, I will miss you, and I will think of you often and fondly.
My thoughts are with Aunt Alice, Floyd, and family during this time. Uncle Herb will be missed.
Thanks Mr Herb for treating me like family and letting me serve you
Well Herb it was fun while it lasted. All the years we went to the Bucs games to watch them lose! Also, you had to bring fried chicken and boiled eggs mix that with beer and guess what that caused. Yep lots of gas! Bowling with the guys and of course lots of drinking. Fishing and listening to your tall tells as to why the fish bite or don’t bite. Our days of camping next door sitting by the fire and watching the fire works at the fish camp. We miss you but someday we will meet again. Love you COD
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