Deacon Estra "Link" O'Neal

Deacon Estra Cornelius O’Neal, affectionally known by family and friends as “Link” or “Neal”, was born on October 6, 1940, to the late Lonnie and Elizabeth Harvey O’Neal of Terra Ceia Community in North Carolina. He was educated in the Beauford County School System in Pantego, North Carolina. He entered eternal rest on February 15, 2022, at The Orangeburg Regional Medical Center in Orangeburg South Carolina.

 As a young adult, Estra moved to the big city of New York, NY, and maintained a life there. While in New York, he met his precious wife, the woman of his dream, Dorothy Middleton O’Neal. They were united in marriage as one and have remained such until his passing.  While in New York, Estra worked for The West Harlem Meat Company for over 25 years.

After experiencing a comfortable life in the big city of New York, Estra and his wife decided that they were ready to relocate to South Carolina and enjoy a calmer lifestyle. They later moved to his wife’s hometown of Orangeburg, SC., and purchased a home. He worked at American Yard Products (AYP) until his retirement.

Deacon O’Neal committed to one of the greatest things in life. He surrendered his life to Christ and submitted to his will and received the “Gift” of the Holy Ghost. Faithfulness increased his elevation, and he was ordained as a Deacon at The Garden of Prayer Church under the leadership of The Late Pastor Ebell Tucker. There, he remained throughout his Christian walk.

Deacon O’Neal has been a rock to his family. He helped raise nieces and nephews, helped feed and clothed many and transported seniors from place to place and always enjoyed it. His good works surely produced fruit of the spirit. “We salute you Sir” for the legacy you have left and the impressions you have made on many.

He was preceded in death by his mother, his father, and his brothers: Joe (Jessie) O’Neal, of Chocowinity, NC, Leon (Sylvia) O’Neal, of Terra Ceia, NC, Eddie (Cassandra) O’Neal, of Winston Salem, N.C, James (Helen) O’Neal and Thomas (Wanda Faye) O ‘Neal, of Washington, NC, Calvin O’Neal, Jimmy O’Neal and Thomas O’Neal.

Deacon O’Neal leaves to cherish his life and legacy: his loving wife, Dorothy O’Neal, of the home; daughters, Dianne (Melvin) Franklin, of Columbia, SC, Alberta Peartree, of Westchester County, NY, and Arline Carter, of Richmond, Virginia; son, Donald (Teresa) King, of North Carolina; 2 sisters-in-law, Betty (Willie) Aiken and Janie (Franklin) Jones; 8 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews,  Deont’a Tyler and Michell Tucker reared in the home; loving in-laws in South and North Carolina, and a host of cousins, relatives, friends all of who will miss his presence. 

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