James Harold O'Neal

James Harold O’Neal, 89, passed away Tuesday, September 11th at Sunrise at Five Forks Trickum. He was a native of Savannah, Ga. and transferred to Atlanta, Ga through his employment with his Southern Bell for 40 years. Born to Julian Williams O’Neal and Lucille Schunhoff O’Neal, he was a graduate of Savannah High School, Class of 1947. He then completed his Associates Degree in Business Administration at Armstrong Junior College in 1949. From there, Harold joined the United States Marine Corps Reserves and was soon sent to Camp Pendleton, California for mountainous warfare training to prepare for the Korean War. Harold would find himself becoming one of the true “Chosin Few/Frozen Chosin” as he was involved in the Chosin Reservoir Campaign battling odds of 10:1 with temperatures up to -35 degrees. He was one of the Allied troops who walked 78 miles “fighting backwards” to board the ships awaiting their arrival. Harold O’Neal is pre-deceased by his wife, Peggy Moody O’Neal and middle child, Ritchie Williams O’Neal. He is survived by his son, James Moody O’Neal, wife Sheila W. O’Neal and daughter Peggy O’Neal Doran. Grandchildren: Matthew O’Neal (Keri O’Neal), James O’Neal, Jennifer O’Neal, Nathan O’Neal and Charlotte (Charly) Doran. Great Grandchildren: Christian Dunson, Caleb Dunson, Walker O’Neal, Ella O’Neal and Cora O’Neal, Lifelong friend, Edra Pierce of Guyton, Ga. and her 3 sons: Duane, Gary (wife: Teresa; daughters: Kristen and Sarah ) and Kevin. Harold also had a special friend, Ms. Gayle Crisp and spent many good times with her and her family, Mae Ellen Sengbush (husband Michael; 2 sons: John Michael and Luke) and Amy Crisp. “The only thing that walks back from the tomb with mourners and refuses to be buried is the character of a man. This is true. What a man is survives him. It can never be buried.” J.R. Miller