Stuart Paul O’Neal, widely known as S. Paul O’Neal, is a prominent political and business figure from Coinjock, Currituck County, North Carolina. Born on November 6, 1962, in Norfolk, Virginia, O’Neal has dedicated a significant portion of his life to public service and the insurance industry, leaving a notable impact on both state and local governance.
Early Life and Education:
Details of S. Paul O’Neal’s early life and specific educational background are not extensively detailed in public records beyond his birth in Norfolk, Virginia. However, his long-standing residency in Coinjock, North Carolina, and his deep involvement in Currituck County’s affairs suggest a strong connection to the region from a young age. His career path indicates a foundation in business and a commitment to community engagement that began early in his adult life.
Career in Insurance:
Professionally, S. Paul O’Neal has built a substantial career in the insurance industry. He is recognized as a Vice President of Towne Insurance, a role he has held since at least 2010. With almost 40 years of experience in insurance, O’Neal has served as a commercial lines Risk Advisor, assisting clients in the South Hampton Roads area and beyond. He is known for his expertise in simplifying complex insurance matters and for his dedication to being a trusted advisor and advocate for his clients. His long tenure and leadership position in the insurance sector underscore his business acumen and commitment to his profession.
Extensive Public Service and Political Career:
S. Paul O’Neal’s most significant contributions have been in the realm of public service, particularly within Currituck County and the state of North Carolina. He has an extensive history of serving on the Currituck County Board of Commissioners, holding two distinct terms:
- First Term: December 1994 to December 4, 2006 (12 years)
- Second Term: December 1, 2008, to December 5, 2016 (8 years)
During his combined 20 years as a Currituck County Commissioner, O’Neal played a crucial role in local governance, representing the at-large district. His long service on the board indicates a sustained commitment to the county’s development, infrastructure, and the well-being of its residents. He was known for his efforts to bring trust and representation into county government, particularly after periods of public criticism regarding transparency in local affairs.
In addition to his county commissioner roles, O’Neal also served in the North Carolina House of Representatives:
- North Carolina House of Representatives, 6th District: September 19, 2022, to January 1, 2023. He was appointed to this seat to succeed Bobby Hanig, who resigned to accept an appointment to the North Carolina Senate. This brief but significant period allowed him to serve at the state legislative level.
O’Neal has also been active in various other boards and committees, demonstrating his broad engagement in public and community affairs:
- College of the Albemarle Board of Trustees: Appointed by NC Governor Roy Cooper.
- Albemarle Regional Health Board
- Albemarle Rural Planning Organization (ARPO) (Alternate)
- Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC)
- Senior Citizens Advisory
- Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC)
- Opioid Advisory
- Parks and Recreation Advisory
- Tourism Advisory
- ABC Board (Alcoholic Beverage Control)
- Extension Advisory Council
- Social Services Board
- Trillium Health
- Albemarle Commission
- Albemarle Regional Solid Waste Authority
- Northeastern Workforce Development Board
- Animal Services & Control Advisory Board
- Fire and Emergency Medical Services Advisory (FEAB)
- Currituck County Chamber of Commerce
- Independent Insurance Agents of Virginia & North Carolina
His extensive involvement across these diverse boards highlights his dedication to a wide range of issues affecting both Currituck County and the broader Albemarle region, from economic development and public health to education and emergency services.
Recent Political Activity:
Even after his terms as county commissioner and state representative, S. Paul O’Neal has remained engaged in local politics. In 2022, he ran for election to the Currituck County Schools Board of Education, representing Poplar Branch Township. More recently, in March 2024, he ran in the Republican primary for an at-large seat on the Currituck County Board of Commissioners, and subsequently won election to that seat in the November 2024 general election, defeating Claywood Wilson, Jr. This indicates his continued commitment to serving his home county.
Personal Life and Community Ties:
S. Paul O’Neal resides in Waterlily, North Carolina, a community within Currituck County, further solidifying his local ties. His family includes his wife, Sharon, and he is the son of Glenda Caroon O’Neal and Louis O’Neal. His father, Louis O’Neal, was a retired pressman for the Virginia Pilot. S. Paul O’Neal also has a sister, Deborah O. Williams, and a step-son, Richard D. Barkley, Jr.
His long-standing presence in Coinjock and his deep involvement in numerous community organizations underscore his role as a dedicated and influential member of the Currituck County community. He is recognized for his strong Republican political affiliation and his consistent efforts to represent the interests of his constituents.
S. Paul O’Neal’s biography is a testament to a life committed to both professional excellence in the insurance sector and extensive public service, leaving a significant and lasting mark on the governance and development of Currituck County and the state of North Carolina.
