Sammy O'Neal

Born on June 30, 1940, in Corinne, West Virginia, he was the son of the late Frank and Zola O’Neal. A devoted Christian his entire life, Sam was a faithful member of the South Mullens First Church of God for more than 50 years. His faith was the foundation of who he was and how he lived.

After retiring from Massey Energy in 2002, Sam found deep satisfaction in the everyday work of home and family. He loved working around the house and in the garage, always tinkering, fixing, or improving something. He took special pride in mowing the grass and in feeding the hummingbirds that visited his yard, finding quiet joy in those simple, steady rhythms of life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Zola O’Neal of Corinne; his brothers, Dave O’Neal of Mullens, Gene O’Neal of Still Run, and Herb O’Neal of Illinois; his sisters, Gracie Stone of Mullens and Carol Ashley of Mullens; his brother-in-law, Skip Ashley; his daughter, Andrea Hayes of Mullens; and his former spouses, Darce and Jean O’Neal.

Those left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Sharlene O’Neal; his daughter, Deidre Jones of Corinne; his step-daughter, Kella Blaylock of Pennsylvania; his grandsons, Trevor (Gracie) Jones of Lerona, Tristan Jones of South Carolina, Jordan Hayes of California, and Joseph Hayes of Texas; his sister, Donna Cayton of Parkersburg; his aunt, Mary Forbes of Tennessee; his son-in-law, Thomas Jones of Stevenson; a great-grandson, Theo Jones of Lerona; and a host of nieces and nephews.

In keeping with Sam’s wishes, the family will hold a private ceremony on Friday, June 26, 2026. There will be no public funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the South Mullens First Church of God in Sam’s honor.