Clifford Allen "Sonny" O'Neal

Mr. Clifford “Sonny” O’Neal, 89, entered into rest on Monday, March 4, 2024, at his residence in Lauderhill, Florida.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, in the Belair Road Chapel of Platts Funeral Home with the Rev. Jeff Pulliam officiating. Burial will follow at Abilene Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday evening, March 12, 2024, from 6:00 until 8:00 PM.

Sonny was born one of seven children in Martinez, Georgia, where he attended Evans High School. After graduation, he attended Georgia Southern for his undergraduate degree, and went on to the University of Georgia to earn his masters. He began his career as an educator, teaching at Langford Middle School and the Youth Detention Center. In later years, he became a manager with the EEOC. He retired to Florida with his partner, Jim.

He enjoyed games of all kinds, and especially liked gambling. He loved theater and was a natural born storyteller, often entertaining his family and friends with interesting tales. He will be remembered as a loving brother, uncle and friend.

Survivors include his brother, Tommy O’Neal (Matthew) and his nieces and nephews; Nick Amato (Elizabeth), Sharon Kline (Lester), Allan Gilbert, Chuck Mahaffey (Lisa), Angela Jenkins (Mike), Jane Key, Robert Smith, Briscoe O’Neal and Barry O’Neal. He is also survived by a special friend, Patrick Lamy, who was his devoted caretaker in Florida and many great nieces and nephews.

Sonny was preceded in death by his parents, Augustus and Marie O’Neal, his life partner, Jim Turner, and his siblings, Frances Dennis, Juanita Gilbert, Betty Smith, Gus O’Neal and Martha Mahaffey and a niece, Janice Brosious.

Pallbearers will be Chuck Mahaffey, Allan Gilbert, Mike Jenkins, Daniel Kline, Wayne Deas and Glenn Short.

Flowers will be appreciated, or donations may be made to the Metropolitan Community Church of Our Redeemer, 557 Greene Street, Augusta, Georgia, 30901.

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