Calvin O'Neal

Calvin O'Neal, born on Ocracoke in 1925, lived directly across the lane from the Methodist Church. For most of his adult life Calvin was a pillar of the church. He sang in the choir, acted as custodian, was a lay preacher, and gave many hours in service to his church and his community.

Calvin O'Neal, Jan., 2012, Courtesy of the Ocracoke Current

Calvin never had a driver's license. For years he walked from his home, then down East Howard Street, to the electric company office (the small building at the base of the dock leading to the Ocracoke Watermen's Exhibit) where he worked.

Calvin loved to laugh, sing and act. He performed in numerous local productions, and was a founding member of the Sea Flats, an island barbershop quartet.

In recent years, because of declining health, Calvin seldom left his home. He died at home on April 17. Family and friends gathered at the Methodist Church on Saturday to celebrate his life. Another link to the Ocracoke before paved roads and ferries has been broken.

To read more about Calvin, click on this link to the Ocracoke Current: http://www.ocracokecurrent.com/21040.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of our island Post Office. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news042113.htm.