Dwayne L. O'Neal

Dwayne L. O'Neal
April 19, 1975 – June 14, 2025
Retired, Highly Decorated, Sergeant First Class Dwayne Leeroy O'Neal, a proud son of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, passed away on June 14, 2025, in Emporia, Virginia, at the age of 50.
Born on April 19, 1975, Dwayne lived a life defined by service, honor, and unwavering loyalty to his family and country. A two-time combat veteran, Dwayne courageously served in Iraq and was stationed overseas in Korea during his military career. Throughout his 20 years of service in the United States Army, which he joined right after graduating from the Ivanna Eudora Kean High School in 1993, Dwayne was stationed at several military bases across the United States, including Fort Drum, Fort Hood, Fort Jackson, and Fort Lee. He retired from the Army with distinction, having earned multiple honors that reflected his bravery, commitment, and leadership.
Dwayne was the beloved son of Eugenie O'Neal and the late Reginald O'Neal, Sr., whom he held close in his heart. His bond with his mother was deeply rooted and unbreakable-he was her protector, her confidante, and her constant source of strength.
He is survived by his cherished daughters-Daliah, Eugenie, and Shayla O'Neal-whom he loved beyond measure. He also leaves behind his loving siblings: Jenifer, Patrecia, and Reginald O'Neal, Jr., with whom he shared a strong family bond built on love, laughter, and lifelong memories.
Dwayne believed deeply in respect, stood firm on his morals, and lived with a quiet strength that touched everyone who knew him. Though disciplined and principled, he had a generous heart and a deep loyalty to his friends and family. His sense of humor, quick wit, and integrity made him a trusted friend and confidante. While family and service were important to him, equally so was education as evidenced through his ability to complete his bachelor's degree from Saint Leo University after his retirement from the Army.
A passionate fan of fantasy football and a die-hard Oakland, now Las Vegas, Raiders supporter, Dwayne's "man cave" was a shrine to his beloved team, having been decked out in Raiders memorabilia from the walls to the floor. Anyone who entered his Raiders domain knew they were in the presence of a true superfan.
Though he is no longer with us in body, Dwayne's spirit lives on in the hearts of those he loved and those who loved him. His legacy of service, strength, loyalty, and love will never be forgotten.
Let us honor Dwayne by expressing gratitude to a veteran, checking in on a loved one, or simply showing someone respect-values Dwayne lived by every day.
Rest easy, soldier. Your watch is over.