Mr. Alfred James O’Neal Jr.

Mr. Alfred James O’Neal Jr. of Augusta, GA, passed away on Wednesday, November 5, 2025.  Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Progressive Missionary Baptist Church, 2504 E. Chipco Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605, with Reverend Dr. Bartholomew Banks Sr., Officiating.

Alfred James O’Neal Jr. was born on October 31, 1956, in Tampa, Florida, to Alfred James O’Neal Sr. and Mrs. Inez Bryant O’Neal. Alfred was a member of St. John Progressive M.B. Church, where he accepted Christ at a young age and was baptized by the late Reverend F.G. Hilton. Alfred attended the public schools of Hillsborough County, graduating from H.B. Plant High School, Class of 1974. During his high school years, he participated in track, football and basketball. After graduation, Alfred worked for the 7Up Bottling Company and Florida Steel Corporation before joining the military.  He continued his education by attending Tampa Technical Institute, where he earned an Associate’s Degree in Applied Computer Science in 1975.  Later, he pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science from Park University, graduating in June of 2006.

Alfred enlisted in the U.S Army in 1979 and served honorably for over 23 years. During his military career, he served in Iraq, Afghanistan, Germany, El Paso, Texas and Ft. Gordon in Augusta, Georgia, where he was honorably discharged and retired from the military. Alfred remained in Augusta, but he always considered Tampa his home and the Buccaneers his team. After retiring, he continued to serve his country as a civilian contractor for over 20 years at Ft. Gordon before retiring again.

After enlisting in the military, Alfred fell in love with the art and sport of karate. He became a dedicated student, joining the Black Knight Karate Association (BKKA) under the direction of Grand Master Ed Brown. Alfred was a quick study and a fierce competitor on the U.S. Army Karate team. During his distinguished career, he competed all over the world winning numerous championships, including the “Battle of Germany”, “European Open Championship”, “Battle of Atlanta” and “The World Open Championship”, just to name a few. 

One of Alfred’s greatest accomplishments was achieving the rank of Grand Master, a 10th-degree black belt. On June 27, 2015, Alfred was inducted into the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame.

Alfred suffered from several illnesses over the years, but he always faced them with optimism and a positive attitude. When Alfred was asked how he was doing, he would always greet you with a smile and say he was fine. Always concerned about others, he never wanted to be the recipient of pity or concern, even until the end.

Two of the most misused words in the English language today are “friend” and “love”. Both words require action, and Al’s friends truly showed their love, dedication and friendship. For that, our family is forever eternally grateful.

Alfred was preceded in death by: his parents, Alfred Sr. and Inez B. O’Neal; and his sister, Cynthia O’Neal.

Alfred leaves to cherish his memory a host of loving family and friends:  3 sons, Geranard K. O’Neal (Arizona), James K. O’Neal (Tampa, FL) and Sgt. Alfred J. O’Neal III U.S. Army, (San Antonio, TX); grandchildren, Jayden O’Neal, Anthony O’Neal, Jordan O’Neal, Micah Collins and Jusiah O’Neal; sister, Shery Faye O’Neal; nephew, Kevin White Sr. (Jennie) and Kevin White Jr.; niece, Carissa White-Moody (Nick) and along with a host of cousins from the Collins, Cross, Williams, Molton, Green, Roberts and Smith families from Carver City/Lincoln Gardens and Belmont Heights.

The entire Black Knight Karate Association (BKKA), and the numerous friends, neighbors and co-workers in Augusta, Georgia and beyond who have reached out to express their condolences and acts of kindness to the O’Neal family, we cannot begin to express our appreciation. Your kind words and expressions of love during this difficult time of bereavement have truly touched our hearts and will never be forgotten.

Visitation will be held on Thuraday, November 20, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at St. John Progressive Missionary Baptist Church, 2504 Chipco Street, Tampa, FL 33605.

Ray Williams Funeral Home, Rhodes & Northern, Owners

www.raywilliamsfuneralhome.com

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