James Carroll O'Neal

Mr. James Carroll O'Neal, affectionately known as "Carroll," peacefully entered his heavenly home on Saturday, October 21, 2023, after a brief illness, surrounded by his loving family. He was 75 years old and a resident of Johns Island, South Carolina.

Carroll was born on August 9, 1948, in Charleston, South Carolina, to his parents, James Harvey O'Neal and Louise Felder O'Neal. He spent his early years in the city of Charleston and attended elementary school there. His family later moved to Mt. Pleasant, where Carroll graduated from General William Moultrie High School. During his high school years, Carroll was an active student, participating in varsity football and the award-winning Moultrie Band.

Following his high school graduation, Carroll pursued higher education at Massey Technical Institute in Jacksonville, Florida, where he earned an Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering. This educational background opened doors to various career opportunities, including positions at General Electric Corporation, Teledyne Corporation, and other industrial jobs. Carroll was also a long-time general contractor in the Charleston area. However, his true passion lay in farming and providing organic vegetables through his roadside market. He took great pleasure in raising black angus cows as well.

Carroll was a multi-talented individual who excelled in music. He had a remarkable ability to play any musical instrument by ear or by note. At the astonishing age of 5, he was invited to perform on the Ed Sullivan Show, where he could showcase his talent with the accordion, all before he knew his ABCs. Carroll was known for his entertaining music, his captivating tall tales, and his larger-than-life personality. He enjoyed shag dancing, hunting, fishing, spending quality time with his family, and actively participating in the political arena, where he ran for various positions within the Republican party and served on the Board of the Greater Lowcountry Republican Club. He was an active member of the American Legion.

In addition to his numerous talents and interests, Carroll was deeply involved in fraternal organizations. He held the esteemed position of Past Master in the St. James Masonic Lodge #275, Scottish Rite, and Omar Shrine. He was famed for his involvement with the Omar Swingers band, which raised funds for the Shriners Hospital for Children through their performances. Carroll was a devoted Christian and a member of St. Phillip's Anglican Church.

Carroll is survived by his wife, Sheryl Willis O'Neal, as well as his children: sons, James "Jamie" Carroll O'Neal, Jr. (Tasha) and David Adam O'Neal, both of East Dublin, Georgia, and a daughter, Julie O'Neal English (Scott), of Milledgeville, Georgia. He is also survived by several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a sister, Sarah O'Neal White (James) of Awendaw, South Carolina. Along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, James Harvey and Louise Felder O'Neal, his paternal grandparents, James Claude O'Neal and Mary Jane Winburn O'Neal, maternal grandparents David Daniel Felder and Eartha Boltin Felder, as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A memorial service to celebrate Carroll's life will be held on Friday, November 17, 2023, at J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Mt. Pleasant Chapel, 1494 Mathis Ferry Rd. at 2:00 PM. A visitation will take place at the Chapel one hour prior to service. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to Shriners Hospital 950 W. Faris Rd., Greenville, SC 29605-4277, www.shrinershq.org/ or to a charity of one's choice.

Carroll O'Neal's legacy of music, passion for farming, and contributions to various organizations will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He leaves behind a cherished and loving family and a community that he greatly enriched throughout his life.