Michael Daniel O'Neal

Michael Daniel O'Neal, 42, of West Palm Beach, Florida, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, July 9, 2023. Michael was born in Vero Beach, Florida on September 2, 1980, and grew up in Fort Pierce and Vero Beach. He moved to West Palm Beach, Florida in 2007. A master trim carpenter, Michael was a great admirer of wood and woodworking, particularly Arts and Crafts design. He knew that being a true leader didn't mean hierarchy but being in it together. He enjoyed protecting and looking out for his "guys" at work. Starting in 2022, he was pleased to bring his skill with numbers together with his skill in carpentry doing bidding and estimating for Black Fin Homes. Michael loved sports and civic events. Growing up he was a New York Yankees fan and his baseball hero was Mickey Mantle. He was a diehard Miami Dolphins, Heat, and Marlins fan, despite complaining that the Dolphins disappointed him his entire life. He was laser-focused in his devotion to the acquisition of knowledge and a casual scholar of history, particularly of ancient Greece and Rome. A lover of cities and public transportation, no visiting friend or relative left without Michael's version of the downtown historical tour. In spite of his contempt for the sun and the heat, Michael loved stargazing and hiking outdoors, particularly in the high country of North Carolina. He also loved Appalachian music and its connection to his Irish heritage. Michael's greatest passion, however, was for music. Michael wrote and composed songs on the guitar, but was also adept at the recording process and could play any instrument necessary for the track. Music was alive within him, his fingers constantly tapping out a rhythm on whatever surface was closest. He recorded solo as Uncle Traveling Matt as well as with multiple bands—most recently Drone Country. Despite his shyness as a front man, he always found the courage to get up there anyway. Often a smart ass, Michael was incredibly clever and had a biting sense of humor. Though his confidence in his own knowledge was sometimes to a fault, he was also quite humble and gentle. He was unimpressed by wealth and social pretense. He cared deeply about helping people in need and was willing to stand up for anyone being mistreated. He was detail-oriented and would notice the minutiae of who people (and animals) are, what they are like, and how they need to be treated. He was preceded in death by his father, Jesse Daniel O'Neal and his sister, Jessica Erin O'Neal. Survivors include his wife, Carly Lynn Gates, of West Palm Beach and his mother, Twyla Whisenant O'Neal, of Port St. Lucie. There will be a visitation at Palms West Funeral Home in Royal Palm Beach, Florida, on Saturday, July 29 from 1 to 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Michael's memory to one of your favorite organizations.