The late first Premier of the Virgin Islands Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE, Member Emeritus, was given a state funeral at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex on Wednesday, December 11, 2019. Photo: VINO

Abigail O'Neal aka 'Abby', the youngest daughter of the late first Premier and Member Emeritus of the Virgin Islands House of Assembly (HoA), Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE, said her father was a man who lived his life serving others. Photo: VINO

Hundreds of persons turned up at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex on December 11, 2019 for the state funeral of the late first Premier of the Virgin Islands Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE, Member Emeritus. Photo: VINO

Hundreds of persons turned up at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex on December 11, 2019 for the state funeral of the late first Premier of the Virgin Islands Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE, Member Emeritus. Photo: VINO

Some of the persons at the state funeral of the late first Premier of the Virgin Islands Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE, Member Emeritus, at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex on December 11, 2019 . Photo: VINO

Uniformed personnel carry the body of the late first Premier of the Virgin Islands Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE, Member Emeritus, into the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex on December 11, 2019. Photo: VINO

Master Guides and Pathfinders at the funeral of the late Hon Ralph T. O'Neal, OBE on December 11, 2019. Photo: VINO

School children at the funeral of the late Hon Ralph T. O'Neal, OBE on December 11, 2019. Photo: VINO

The late Honourable Ralph T. O'Neal, OBE was laid to rest at the O'Neal Burial Ground on Virgin Gorda.

During a solemn tribute during the funeral service for the late Premier at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex on Wednesday, December 11, 2019, she said, he was always talking to someone on the phone and so “I used to call him Ralph ‘Telephone’ O’Neal.”

“I came at a time when he was in elected office and doing the people’s business.”

Ms O’Neal said her father also showed immense respect for people.

“People from all walks of life used to come up to him, and he treated all with the same level of respect and dignity; leading by example how to treat people the way you want to be treated.”

According to Ms O’Neal, the late Hon O'Neal had good qualities in him, such as elevating others.

“He was kind and gentle, but he also said sometimes you have to speak to people in a language they understand. He was a committed and dedicated man who did not do things halfway and always tried to lift me and those around him to realise their full potential.”

Thanks for the support

Additionally, the late former Premier’s daughter thanked the people of the Territory and all others who were kind in words and deeds since the passing of her father.

“It is truly a reflection of how much he meant not only to us but to the community. We as a family have been enveloped in your love for daddy, which has truly helped us to get through these last few weeks and will no doubt help us in the months and years to come.”

She said his life made a difference in “thousands of lives and laid down the foundation to make a difference for many lives to come.”

Her mother and the widow of the late Premier, Reverend Edris O’Neal OBE, was ill and did not attend the service on Tortola.

Hon O'Neal was laid to rest at the O'Neal Burial Ground on Virgin Gorda.