James "Junior" O'Neal, Jr.

On Sunday, March 22, 2026, James William O'Neal, Jr departed this life at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, Roanoke, VA. Born in Rocky Mount, VA on December 21, 1958, he was a son of the late James William O'Neal, Sr. and the late Lillie Saunders O'Neal.  

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Charlie H. O'Neal; and brothers in-law, Johnny R. Witcher and James W. Preston. 

James attended schools in Franklin County. He joined Bright Star Baptist Church and served in different areas of the church including: adult choir, usher board, deacon board, cleaning and yard ministries. He later joined Snow Creek Baptist Church, and also attended Bright Star Ministries. James worked at Ferrum College, MW Doors and Windows, and retired from Ply Gem Windows. He loved his job at “the plant” (MW).    

He also answered to the name of “Junior”. He had a great love of wrestling in person and on television. If there was a wrestling match and he could get there ... he had had a “front row seat with his and nephew Kenny! He loved fishing, and would stay all day and night, if he could. In his younger years, he played softball (he was a “leftie”). He enjoyed football, and loved the Dallas Cowboys!  

Junior never met a stranger, and always offered a smile, or handshake to anyone he met. He did not forget a name, if he met you once, he made sure he acknowledged you when he saw you again. He was always available to help anyone who would ask him for help. He rarely said “no”, even when his health was failing. He was truly a Loving, Giving, Selfless, Soft-Hearted, Forgiving, Non-Complaining Man! 

He leaves to cherish his memory: five sisters- June (Stanford) Nance, Clara Preston, Henrietta (Peter) McHeimer, Mary Witcher, and LaNita O'Neal; brother-Melvin Smith; aunt-Mary Helm; nieces- Diana (Timmy) Thomas, Danna (Joseph) Hammonds; nephews-Kenneth Trotter, Carlos (Cynthia) Trotter, Jeffrey (Melinda) Holland, Shane (Amy) Nance, a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends