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David Edward ‘Gunk’ O’Neal, longtime tugboat captain with CP&L

David Edward ‘Gunk’ O’Neal

BOLIVIA — David Edward “Gunk” O’Neal, 80, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2021.

David was born Aug. 7, 1941, in Southport, son of the late Stanley and Elizabeth O’Neal. David was a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard, serving in Vietnam as a BM-1 aboard the USCGC Mendota WHEC-69. After his career in the military, he never strayed too far from the water, being the captain of several fishing vessels. He was a longtime tugboat captain with CP&L. He had previously been the owner of Captain Stanley’s Seafood Market. After his professional careers, he spent the majority of his time fishing and being with his loving family and friends in Brunswick County.

Survivors include his wife, Judy; son, Joseph O’Neal; two daughters, Sarah O’Neal and Susan O’Neal Jordan, and her husband, James Pearson; three grandchildren, Erin Thaden, Zoya Pearson and David J. “Jerrad” O’Neal; and a great-granddaughter, Dakota Williams.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Stanley “Sam” O’Neal; brother, Joseph C. O’Neal; and great-aunts, Betty Arnold Hewett and Peggy Arnold Giles.

The family will have visitation from 6 to 8 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 14, at Peacock-Newnam & White Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held at 5 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 15, at Northwood Cemetery with the Rev. Charles A. Drew officiating.

Share online condolences with the family at Peacock-Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service.

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