Leslie O'Neal

“For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.  I have fought a good fight.  I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing”                                   II Timothy 4: 6-8

Today we celebrate the life of Deacon Leslie O’Neal, age 89, who peacefully transitioned on Saturday evening, December 14, 2024.  Born on July 31, 1935 in Darlington, South Carolina, Leslie was the cherished son of the late Earl O’Neal and Callie Williams O’Neal.

Leslie’s life journey began in Darlington where he attended local schools. He suffered a stroke in the 11th grade while attending Mayo High School (Class of 1952).   It was in church in 1951 that he met his soulmate, Miss Laura Lee Brewer, whom he married on September 6, 1956, in Hartsville, SC.  Together they built a beautiful life and celebrated 60 years of marriage in 2017.  Their union was blessed with six children.  His love for his family was the cornerstone of his life. In pursuit of a brighter future, Leslie relocated his family to Winston-Salem, NC in 1962.  With the support of his uncle, Wade O’Neal he secured employment at RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company where he worked diligently until retirement. Working together he and his wife purchased a home for the family. Leslie was known for his unwavering support for his family and his community.  He took delight in supporting his wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren unconditionally. 

Leslie led the family to join Kimberly Park Holiness Church in 1965 under the leadership of Bishop Solomon Caesar. Over the years, he devoted himself to the church, serving as a custodian, handyman, Trustee, Sunday School Superintendent, and ultimately as Chairman of the Deacon Board. Leslie was a beacon of kindness, always ready to lend a helping hand. He was lovingly named as the official welcoming committee of the church. His faith was evident in every aspect of his life, as he worshipped joyfully, dance in praise like David, and served as a devotional leader alongside his beloved wife.  He was deeply committed to his church and its growth, investing in the Kimberly Park Bond Program to help finance the new sanctuary. Deacon O’Neal and his wife were devotional worship leaders for the North Carolina Area of the Northwestern District.  Before his health failed, Deacon O’Neal attended many District Quarterly Meetings, Missionary and YPHA Meeting, HCOG Sunday School Conventions and HCOG General Assembly Conventions. 

He encouraged his children to love the Lord and to treat others with respect. Praising God, attending family gatherings, cutting grass and watching wrestling brought him much delight. His family affectionally referred to him as the Oldest Black Man on 14th Street and the surrounding vicinity. Leslie enjoyed connecting with neighbors and friends from his front porch spreading warmth and cheer to everyone who passed by. 

Surviving to cherish fond memories are his children: Fredrick O’Neal, Dr. Patsy O. Squire (Earnest), Elder Carolyn O. Edmond (Overseer, Pastor Robert Edmond, Jr.), Theressa O. Hymes (John Hymes), Leslie Wayne O’Neal Jr. (Kenya) all of W-S, NC and Kenneth Earl O’Neal of Winchester, California; nine grandchildren; five great grandchildren; two sisters, Catherine O’Neal Brown and Callie O’Neal Streator of Florence, SC, special cousins: Gloria Mackey and Shirley O’Neal Kelly, special friends: Timothy Lunn and Betty Jo Dargan, and a host of deeply loved nieces, nephews, cousins and other close relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Laura Brewer O’Neal, his parents, Callie and Earl O‘Neal, siblings, Earl O’Neal Jr, Joseph O’Neal, Eva O. Wingate, Margaret O. Pickney, Kate O. Grice, a special niece, Charlene B. Robinson, a special granddaughter, Sheressa W. Foster.

Leslie O’Neal lived a life filled with faith, love, and service.  His legacy will endure in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him.

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