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Mr. Braxton Sterling O’Neal Sr., age 90, a resident of 5452 Broad Creek Road, Washington, passed on to his heavenly home on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2020, at his home.

A graveside service will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020, at Long Acre Chapel Christian Church Cemetery, officiated by Rupert Wallace. Mr. O’Neal’s grandchildren and the Elders and Deacons of Long Acre Chapel Christian Church will serve as pallbearers.

Mr. O’Neal was born in Washington on July 27, 1930, son of the late William John Wesley O’Neal and Viola Josephine Alligood O’Neal. He was a 1949 graduate of Washington High School.

In 1960, he married the love of his life for 48 years, Jeannette Boyd, who preceded him in death in 2008. He was a family man and enjoyed every minute of it. Braxton and Jeannette instilled Christian love, honor, integrity and work ethics in their children and grandchildren: “Do the best you can within your ability in everything you do.”

A lifelong resident of Washington, Mr. O’Neal was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He was a well accomplished artist and maximized his artistic talent perfecting each task. Early in his career, he started as a house painter, which quickly grew into a lifelong self-employed boat refinishing and sign lettering business. Mr. O’Neal refinished numerous yachts at Washington Yacht & Country Club and McCotter’s Marina, which included putting his little skiff overboard and lettering the transom. He liked to stop and fish while in the boathouses and chat with friends. He enjoyed many years of recreational fishing, hunting, gardening and trapping along with his brothers and his family. In later years, he lettered many local businesses’ 18-wheeler trucks, occasionally painting a requested scene.

Mr. O’Neal was a 60-plus years member of Long Acre Chapel Christian Church, serving as an Elder, board member and Sunday School teacher, accomplishing over 25 years of perfect attendance. He enjoyed singing in the choir and occasionally presented a solo special.

He is survived by his children, Braxton S. O’Neal Jr. (Tina), Wesley H. O’Neal, and Mary Josephine O’Neal Chrismon (Roy); seven grandchildren, Braxton III, Todd (Cassy), Holden (Sarah), Cody, Reed, Ethan and Amelia; sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and many special nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by brothers William, Archie and John.

The family extends a special thanks to the doctors and nurses in Vidant Beaufort and Vidant Medical Cancer Center in Greenville, Christian love and support from caregiver and family friend Diane Hudson, treasured Church family, and all the visits, prayers and cards in love and support.

Flowers are welcome and appreciated or the family kindly asks that any memorial contributions be made to Long Acre Chapel Christian Church, 21861 N.C. Highway 32 North, Plymouth, NC 27962 or to the American Cancer Society, 930-B Wellness Drive, Greenville, NC 27834.

Online condolences may be addressed to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com.

Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the O’Neal family.