In many ways, my grandfather was like a superhero to me.
There are those people in your life that make immeasurable impact on you, who love with no expectation of reciprocation, who give endlessly, who support your every endeavor, and who are always there.
My papa Bob was that person.
If I had a chance for a do-over, he is someone who I would definitely include in my grandparents line-up.
Bobby Gene O’Neal passed away in the early morning of October 16, just after midnight, peacefully in his home surrounded by the family who so deeply loved him.
You hear the phrase “my biggest inspiration” thrown around a lot this day and age, but I have been saying for years that my biggest inspiration is my grandfather.
In high school, I filmed this cast interview for a show I was in for production marketing. One of the questions in that interview was “Who inspires you and why?” I did not have to even hesitate or take the time to think through this question, as I immediately knew it was papa Bob. My answer to that question was “My grandpa – he is definitely one of the most hardworking and just goal setting people that I have ever met and when he wants to do something he gets it done and he’s not afraid of what other people think about him.” I had so many positive things to say about him, I couldn’t even take a breath when I started giving my answer!
Some of you might know this, and some might not, but my grandfather was always there when times were especially tough. He was a saving grace to so many people in his family, me and my immediate family included. My mom, sister, and I lived with my grandparents for much of my high school life. When we needed a place to move, without hesitation he and my grandmother took us in. I often think back on this when people comment on my maturity. My formative years where I was learning how to be a grown-up were spent in the presence of my papa, who is the picture of maturity and all of the positive attributes I can name. Everything I learned about how to care for your family, I learned from him. He is the reason I have always been a mini-adult.
After raising six kids of his own, papa then took to helping raise some of his grandkids. He never argued, or asked questions, or hesitated. He helped house us, feed us, and cared for us.
It goes without saying that papa was a second dad to me and so many of my cousins.
Even before we lived with them, though, I remember spending countless afternoons after school, Saturdays, and Sundays over and grandma and grandpa’s house. We would go there after school and do our homework and spend time with them. We would go over on weekends to gather and enjoy each other’s company. We would go for Sunday breakfast, where grandpa always made a huge Sunday breakfast and many members of the family would come and enjoy it.
Sunday breakfast is already a tradition I have planned in our home when we have kids, because of papa.
He was a family man. That much was evident.
Papa’s passing was something that we knew was coming for many years now. As his health declined, and his spirit faded, we knew this day was coming. But that doesn’t stop the hurt, or tears, or grief.
I almost still can’t believe that he’s gone.
I don’t know if grandpa believed in Jesus or not. However, I deeply believe that good men such as him absolutely go to heaven. And I know he is up there right now watching over all of us. He is walking around in his young body, with my Aunt Carolynn (his daughter), his brothers and sisters who have passed on, his parents, all his pets from over the years, and all the friends of his who have passed on. He is celebrating his life with so many who love him, while we grieve the loss down here on earth.
I could go on for a long time. I have endless good things I could say about my grandpa. But I’ll leave it at this.
Papa was someone we should all want to be like. I truly, deeply, want to be like him when I grow up.
Rest in peace, papa Bob. I love you endlessly.
Bobby Gene O’Neal
July 01, 1935 – October 16, 2023
Forever In Our Hearts
Lindsey Nordby 
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