Frank Allen O'Neil

Frank Allen O'Neil passed away on July 16, 2024. He was born on the last day of 1935 to Charles and Mae O'Neal in Hartsville, S.C. He was the youngest of three children. As a young man, a friend introduced him to Margaret Matthews during one particularly hot summer in Florence. They drove to the beach and Murrells Inlet each night for seven weeks before making the long drive to Texas to meet her parents and get married. They raised four children together and spent most of their life in Winston-Salem, N.C. 

Frank wanted to become a pharmacist since he was a boy working at Crowder's Drug Store. He watched “ole Doc Crowder” behind the counter, made deliveries for customers and eventually achieved the rank of “Sweetwater Chemist” running the soda fountain. He was the first in his family to graduate from college, earning a degree in pharmacy from the University of South Carolina. Frank worked as an Eckerd’s pharmacist in Winston-Salem for nearly 50 years. He served people from all walks of life at the Parkway, Parkview, Thruway and Club Haven stores and anywhere else that needed him. He probably spent more time in a drugstore serving people who needed help than anywhere else in his life.

Frank had a passion for music and a deep love for the outdoors. He played the saxophone and clarinet. He shuttled his swing band, the Dixie Cats, from town to town and dance to dance in his ‘35 Plymouth. We can still hear him practicing the “Swinging Shepherd” on his recorder in the living room. Frank loved hiking, camping and being in nature. The Appalachian Trail called to him throughout his life, and he was eager to go back just as soon as he finished a hike. His trekking poles and visions of being on the trail steadied him well into his later years.

Frank was a lay leader of Our Lady of Mercy Church and School where he and Margaret were members for over 60 years. He was active in numerous church programs, including serving as president of the parish council and the PTA, singing in the guitar mass, participating in Marriage Encounter, Cursillo, Charismatic Renewal, Eucharistic Ministry, and Communion to the Sick. He also helped found the Order of Saint Clare Secular Franciscans, bringing him great joy and community with like-minded believers who espoused the values of simplicity, service and compassion.

Frank was devoted to Margaret for 65 years. They were proud of the family they created together, including their children, Sharyn Lieth (Heiner), Allen O'Neil (Carol), Mike O'Neil (Barbara), and Patrick Soter O'Neil (Cyndi); his grandchildren, Elisabeth Schmidt (Jathan), Mary Lieth (Matthew Melville), Stephen O'Neil, Hillary O’Neil (John Downes), Alex O'Neil, Andrew O'Neil, Jack Soter O'Neil and Clara Soter O'Neil; his great-grandchildren, Paxton Schmidt and Jaron Schmidt; and his nieces, nephew and cousins.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the extraordinary skilled care team at Homestead Hills. They were more than caregivers and became a true extension of Frank’s family. We are grateful to the doctors, nurses, neighbors and friends who provided unwavering support during Frank's journey.

The family will receive visitors at Hayworth-Miller Funeral Home on Silas Creek Parkway from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 11. A private family celebration of Frank's life will be held after the visitation. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.