David Michael O'Neal

David Michael O'Neal, 72, passed away peacefully on November 28, 2023, at Carteret Health Care in Morehead City, N.C. A memorial service will be held December 9, 2023, at 11 AM at Belk Funeral Home in Darlington, SC. In lieu of flowers, David wanted donations to be made to the American Cancer Society, American Lung Association or American Heart Association. David was the firstborn child of Betty Elizabeth Register O'Neal and Thomas Harvey O'Neal. Born in Darlington, SC. on October 8th, 1951, David attended St. John's Elementary School, Brunson-Dargan Junior High School and graduated from St. John's High School in 1969. In high school, David played football, sang in the chorus and was voted Most Talented. After high school, David attended Pembroke College for one semester, then enlisted in the US Army, where he served for 3 years: 1 year in Vietnam. He then served 1 year in the Army Reserve. While in the Army, David earned the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 3 bronze service stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, Sharpshooter Badge with Auto Rifle Bar and Army Aviation Badge. After his military service, David spent 17 years working in banking and finance. Later in life, he found satisfaction and success fabricating and installing solid surface countertops and tub surrounds. He was an independent contractor traveling the country installing countertops in extended stay hotels. David was an avid Duke University Basketball and football fan. His lifelong dream was to attend a basketball game in Cameron Indoor Stadium, which he was able to do in December 2021. He was also a master BBQ baby back ribs griller. David was a 14-year colon cancer survivor but the surgery and resulting complications caused him to be disabled and unable to continue doing the work of his profession. He developed COPD and then most recently congestive heart failure, which quickly took his life. David loved living the last year in Emerald Isle, NC. He was a very social man, and enjoyed making people smile and laugh. He became known on the island as the Hershey Kiss man because he carried them with him in the Food Lion Store and would randomly ask women if he could give them a kiss and open his hand to reveal the Hershey Kiss. He would also ask the husbands if he could give their wives a kiss! He always got a smile or a laugh and was celebrated for his effort on social media. The store manager even contributed to his Hershey Kiss supply. David was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Register O'Neal, his father Thomas Harvey O'Neal and his sister, Karen O'Neal Poyns. He is survived by his loving partner, Cindy Gilchrist Ranio, his sister Holly O'Neal Graves, his half-sister, Tonya Renee O'Neal, stepmother, Alice O'Neal, stepbrothers, Michael Jordan, Marion Jordan, and Van Jordan.