Melvin O’Neal Bowman of Meadows of Dan, VA passed quietly at Lynchburg General Hospital after a brief illness on September 24, 2023. He was the proud father of his two children, Deborah Bowman of Madison Heights, VA and James Bowman of Lynchburg, VA; and his sister, Imogene “Jean” Wilson of Lynchburg. Most all the people who knew him called him “O’Neal” or “Neal” and that suited him. One of his true enjoyments was to fish for real native trout in a stream. Some of those areas were deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains he called home. He would take anyone who was brave enough to get in the streams. Like his friend Jimmy Campbell and a cousin, Cliff Bowman, and others. Neal graduated from Meadows of Dan High School and received college classes through his military time in the Army. He trained as Special Forces personnel and as Military Police with a lifelong friend named Robert Smith from Chicago. They shared many laughs and thoughts over the years.
During his life he was a contractor that built numerous houses. Then the proud owner of Lynchburg Seamless Gutters. He retired and began the enjoyment of the game of golf with Mabel Short, who liked to challenge him in most parts of his life. Neal enjoyed listening to John Hagee for the work of God in his spiritual life. He supported their ministry and the Boys Town organization as well. If anyone was interested in asking for help in life or starting a business, then he was there to help and truly enjoyed people in general. Politics was a large source of conversation and motivation for Neal. Most knew he would get them into a debate whether they realized it or not and that could end up being quite an event to behold. One of the most valuable lessons he would tell others was to be honest and stand for your principles no matter what may occur. Because this is the true representation of what makes a person who they will be through life. He was truly loved by many friends and family and will be missed. May he rest in peace.
A funeral service for O’Neal will be held on Monday, October 2, 2023, at 12:00 pm at Moody Funeral Home in Stuart. Burial will follow in the Reed Island Springs Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends a half hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Military rites will be provided by the Patrick County Veterans Memorial Honor Guard. Expressions of condolences can be sent by visiting www.moodyfuneralservices.com.
