O'Neil Charles Farish, Jr., 57, of Morganton, N.C., died Monday Aug. 17, 2009, at his home following a long battle with cancer.

Mr. Farish was born July 3, 1952, in Gaffney to Barbara Daniel Farish and O.C. Farish Sr. of Gaffney. He was an active member of Buford Street United Methodist Church, a member of Boy Scout Troop 145, where he became an Eagle Scout. O'Neil graduated in 1970 from Gaffney High School, where he played football and went on to graduate from Wingate College and Presbyterian College. He was very successful in his career. He enjoyed spending time with his family and working outside in the yard. He was a wonderful son, husband, father and grandfather. O'Neil touched many lives, and is loved and will be missed by all.

Mr. Farish's family would like to thank all the friends and neighbors who prayed and visited O'Neil throughout his battle. He was truly blessed and was grateful to each of you.

O'Neil was preceded in death by his grandparents, Dewey and Ruth Daniel, Lavell and Jesse Farish, and his father-in-law, Marvin Richardson.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife of 35 years, Vickie Richardson Farish of the home; his daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Steven Waters of Morganton, N.C.; his son and daughter-in-law, Clint and Laura Farish of Swannanoa, N.C.; three grandchildren whom he adored, Catherine McCain Farish, Gracyn Elizabeth Farish and Caleb Elijah Waters, with one granddaughter on the way. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Steve and Harriett Farish of Gaffney, and his motherin law, Alma Richardson of Gaffney.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, Aug. 30, at 2 p.m. at Buford Street United Methodist Church. The family will greet friends in the chapel prior to the service.

Memorials may be made to Buford Street United Methodist Church Family Life Center; or to Burke Hospice and Pallative Care, 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690; or Shriner's Hospitals, c/o Oasis Temple, P.O. Box 560666, Charlotte, NC 28256.

An online guestbook and obituary is available at www.heritagefuneralservices. com.