William "Billy" Edward O'Neill III

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of William "Billy" Edward O'Neill III, who left us unexpectedly on December 10, 2024, at the age of 37. Billy was born on October 10, 1987, in Daytona Beach, to Nina Barker-O’Neill and William O’Neill, Jr., and was a beloved grandson, son, brother, uncle, nephew, and cousin.

Billy’s infectious smile and childlike heart touched the lives of all who knew him.

He will be lovingly remembered as a gentle soul whose innate kindness was most evident to children and animals, and they were both immediately drawn to his playful spirit and omnipresent smile. Throughout his life, Billy took immense joy in spending time with family, and though he struggled through dark places in life with grace, his inherent sense of humor made the world around him a brighter place.

Billy was an avid gamer and enjoyed the outdoors fishing with his father.

Despite the challenges he so courageously faced, Billy will be remembered for his care and concern for others, best evidenced by the fact he never left anyone without saying, “I love you…”

Billy's devotion to his family was his most cherished gift. He was a constant companion and dear friend to his grandmother, Billie Mae Barker, who loved him dearly.

Billy is survived by his loving parents, Nina Barker-O’Neill, William O’Neill, Jr. and stepmother Jennifer O’Neill, his grandmother Billie Mae Barker, his sisters Katie O’Neill-Beery, Phoenix Perego, and Vivienne O’Neill, nieces Genesis Davis, Anna-Bee and Elle-Lee Beery, nephew Noah Steves, Uncle Mark Barker, special cousin Serina Rahming and Aunt Patti Barker who gave him unwavering love and support. Billy was also blessed with and survived by Father Figure Perego, Bonus Sister Marcella Kirakossian and Bonus Brother Thoren Perego, as well as a large and loving extended family in Florida and the Cleveland Ohio area.

He was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Julie and William O’Neill Sr., and maternal grandfather, Paul Barker, all of Ormond Beach.

Billy’s good-natured spirit and memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him, and his indelible memory will forever be a part of our lives.

A celebration of Billy’s life will be held at Dale Woodward Funeral Home, 167 Ridgewood Avenue, Holly Hill, on Wednesday, December 18, 2024. The family will receive friends from 4:00pm to 6:00pm with service to follow, officiated by Rev. Wylie Lowe.

He will be laid to rest at Holston View Cemetery in Weber City, Virginia on Saturday, December 21, 2024 at 1:00 p.m., beside his loving great grandparents, Patsy and Lewie Smith, who he enjoyed spending time with as a youth. Internment is under the direction of Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, 117 East Charlemont Street, Kingsport, Tennessee.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Billy’s memory may be made to the Halifax Humane Society, Daytona Beach, Florida.