Master Sergeant (Retired) Samuel Eugene (Sam) O’Neal, 85, of Clarksville, TN, left to meet our Lord on Sunday, December 3, 2017.

He was born on April 11, 1932, in Enfield, North Carolina to William M. and Bessie Anderson O’Neal.

Sam graduated from Enfield High School and after graduation entered the Army in October, 1952.

Sam was a member of Northeast Baptist Church, Clarksville, TN where he served as a trustee, deacon, Sunday School teacher, choir member, and various other capacities.  He loved the Lord with all of his heart, and was an obedient servant in His service.  Sam was a loving husband, father, granddaddy, great-granddaddy, and uncle.  Many vacations were spent with family and friends upon his retirement.

He completed basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina.   He also completed airborne training at Fort Benning, Georgia.  Sam was assigned to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and then was ordered to Fort Lee, Virginia as an instructor of the Parachute Rigging School.  He re-enlisted to Special Forces at Fort Bragg, North Carolina where he served 2 tours in Vietnam.  His military service continued in Panama under the 8th Special Forces.  After his tour in Panama, he then served his second tour of duty in Vietnam.   From there, he was sent back to Panama, assigned to Fort Clayton 197th Infantry Brigade.  Eventually, Sam was assigned to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, where he served his final tour of duty as a Post Housing NCOIC.  His term of service to his country totaled 31 years.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his son (Bill), 4 brothers (Ray, D.J., J.C., and Howard); 5 sisters (Margaret Grondzik, Erma Womack, Bessie Stone, Thelma Bellamy, and Mabel Wells); and beloved nieces and nephews.

Sam is survived by his wife of 62 years, Alice Faye O’Neal;  two sons, Sam O’Neal, Jr. married to Lisa, and Jon O’Neal married to Connie; granddaughter, Shana McIntosh married to Joe; granddaughter Cayce Patterson married to David; great granddaughters, Emma and Charlotte Patterson; brother-in-law, Fred Wood, married to Cheerful; and dear friend and adopted family member, Shirley Towater married to Jim; and surviving O’Neal  nieces.

Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday, December 6, 2017, at 12:00 a.m. at the Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Chapel.  Burial will be in Resthaven Memorial Gardens.  Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December  5, 2017 from  4 – 7 p.m.  Being a member of the Queen City Masonic Lodge,  Masonic rites will begin at 7:00 p.m. on the night of  visitation.

Pallbearers will be members of the 5th Special Forces.  Honorary pallbearers will be Sam O’Neal, Jr., Jon O’Neal,  Fred Wood, Tom Hancock, Joe McIntosh, David Patterson.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the entire staff of Ahava Health Care, and Tennova Hospice.  A special thanks to Dr. Boles for his  care and considerations shown our family for many years.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Shriners Hospitals for Children.  Address is 950 West Faris Road, Greenville, South Carolina 29605.

Arrangements entrusted to Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home, 1510 Madison Street, Clarksville, TN  37040.  Online condolences may be made at www.nealtarpleyparchman.com.

 Service Information