Obituary: Sam Barber O’Neal | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Sam Barber O’Neal, 87, a resident of 23080 U.S. Highway 264, the New Holland Community, Swan Quarter, died Monday, May 23, 2011, at Pungo District Hospital, Belhaven.

    Born in the New Holland Community of Hyde County, March 24, 1924, he was the son of the late Lonnie and Lillian Swindell O’Neal. He was married to the former Carolyn Burrus who survives. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and served in Europe in the 30th Division and earned the Purple Heart. His working years were spent with U.S. Fish and Wildlife at Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge where he worked in the maintenance department and retired after 30 years service. He enjoyed being outside and loved just being at home. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the family plot in Soule Cemetery. Scott Sukeforth will officiate.

    Surviving in addition to his wife are a daughter, Rosemary O’Neal Johnson and her husband, William A. of New Holland; two brothers, Robert O’Neal of Havelock and Glenn O’Neal of Chesapeake, Va; a sister, Ruth O’Neal Harrell of New Holland; three grandchildren, Bryce O’Neal, Kelly O’Neal Smith and Jeremy Farrow; a great-grandchild, Mollyanne O’Neal. Mr. O’Neal was also preceded in death by two sons, Sam Barber O’Neal Jr. and Mark Andrew O’Neal; brothers, Thomas G. O’Neal, Max O’Neal and Leon O’Neal. The family will receive friends at Bryan Funeral Service on Tuesday evening, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and other times at the home. Online sympathy messages may be directed to www.bryanfs.com.