Reginald Earl O’Neal, Sr., known as Reg or Reggie, passed away peacefully on Nov. 4, 2026, in Virginia Beach, Virginia, on his 80th birthday.
He was the husband of Elva Styron O’Neal.
Born on Nov. 4, 1946, on Ocracoke, he was a son to the late Harry Walton O’Neal and Essie Mae Parsons O’Neal.
A long-time resident of Ocracoke, where he was born and raised, Reginald proudly served as a chief boatswain’s mate in the United States Coast Guard before retiring from active duty. Following his military career, he continued his commitment to maritime service as captain in the North Carolina Ferry Division, a position he held with distinction for 20 years until his retirement.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Reggie O’Neal, Jr.; his brothers,
Sam O’Neal (Helen), Harry F. O’Neal (Carol), Jimmy W. O’Neal, Carlton Boyce O’Neal (Edith), Richard O’Neal, and Bruce O’Neal; as well as his sister-in-law, Sue O’Neal.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Regina O’Neal Boor (Justin); his granddaughter Kinsley Boor; his daughter-in-law Kim O’Neal; his brothers George Lewis O’Neal (Cathy), Walton “Cotton” O’Neal, Rex O’Neal (Miggy), and Herbert O’Neal(Karen); his sister-in-law Ginger O’Neal; along with many nieces and nephews who will cherish his memory.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 17, in the Ocracoke United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to the
Ocracoke Fire Department, P.O. Box 332, Ocracoke, NC 27960, or to the Ocracoke Health Center, P.O. Box 543, Ocracoke, NC 27960.
Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks, 500 Budleigh Street, Manteo, is assisting with arrangements.
