Harold O'Neil

Morganton, NC

Harold L. O’Neil, age 87, went to his heavenly home, on Sunday evening, January 29, 2017, at Carolina Medical Center, in Charlotte, NC.

He was born on August 27, 1929 to the late Will and Lily Mae Corpening O’Neil in McDowell Co., NC.

Mr. O’Neil was a Christian man and was a member of Chambers Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Glen Alpine. He loved his church and was a member of the Ed Bowman Gospel Singers, and you could also find him driving the church van or busy helping in any way he was needed.

After graduating high school, Mr. O’Neil served his country proudly in the US Army for over 20 years, until he retired. He served during the Vietnam era and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Silver Star, 3 Bronze Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, 5 Overseas Service Bars, Sharp Shooter Badge for M-1 and Carbine, and the Expert Badge for M-14. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 322.

After his military career ended, he worked for the Burke County school system and then he went to work for Great Lakes Carbon Plant in Morganton and he worked there until he gained a second retirement. Mr. O’Neil was not one to sit idle and he found employment again in the Garden Dept. at Wal-Mart where he enjoyed helping people and staying active in his golden years.

Mr. O’Neil was known for his great sense of humor, his love for front porch sitting and visiting with friends and watching sunsets. He could also be seen going on his daily walks of 2 miles each way to the post office that he did well into his 80’s! He also enjoyed sports and played baseball and football during his school years.

In addition to his parents, Mr. O’Neil was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Annie Williams O’Neil, who passed away in 1999 and sisters Rose Bud O’Neil, Lucy Josephine Scott, Louise Watts, Thelma Shade, and Willie Mae Greene.

Surviving Mr. O’Neil are his son, Michael (Ashley) O’Neil of Conover, NC; a granddaughter, Candice O’Neil of Boone, NC; a brother, Edward (Laura) O’Neil of Morganton, NC; a sister, Faye Carpenter of Glen Alpine, NC; and a host of nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, February 7, 2017 at 2:00 pm, at Chambers Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Glen Alpine, NC, with the Reverends B. D. Cuthbertson, Tommy Carpenter, and Gwendolyn Benjamin officiating.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow the service at Forest Hill Cemetery in Morganton.

Memorials may be made to: Chambers Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, 4089 Chambers Chapel Circle, Glen Alpine, 28628.

Kirksey Funeral Home and Cremation Services have the honor of assisting the O’Neil family.

Arrangements under the direction of Kirksey Funeral Home, Morganton, NC.