Alfred O'Neal Denard

Alfred “O’Neal” Denard, 49, of Arlington, Texas, passed away on June 23, 2024, in Dallas, Texas. 

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Sunday, June 30, 2024, at Claybar Kelley-Watkins Funeral Home in Beaumont, Texas. Officiating will be Marcus Jones. Burial will follow at Haven of Rest Cemetery in Beaumont, Texas.

Visitation will begin prior to the service at 9:00 a.m., Sunday, June 30, 2024, at Claybar Kelley-Watkins Funeral Home in Beaumont, Texas.

Born in Beaumont, Texas, on April 16, 1975, he was the son of Leroy Joseph Denard and Sheila Marie (Adams) Denard. Alfred Raye O'neal Denard, known to many as O'neal, was a humble, kind-hearted man who lived a life filled with love, laughter, and good times. He shared this beautiful journey with the love of his life, his late wife Adrienne Denard. Together, they raised a wonderful family, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and cherished memories. 

O'neal was a man of many talents. He was a certified electrician, a first-class welder, and a professional truck driver. His skills and interests were as diverse as his personality. O'neal's dedication to supporting and providing for his family was a true testament to his character and work ethic.

Family was at the heart of everything for O'neal. As a caring son to his mother, Sheila Denard, and a beloved father to his sons, Jared and Jacoby Denard, he formed a legacy of love and commitment. His greatest joy was the arrival of his three cherished grandchildren, Keylan, Kaliyah, and Jeremiah. Known lovingly as pawpaw, he spent countless weekends spoiling them, showering them with love and affection, and providing them with unforgettable memories. 

O'neal had an infectious sense of humor and a unique ability to connect with people. His funny nicknames for loved ones, often unconventional, were a sure sign of his affection. To receive a nickname from O'neal was to know you were deeply cared for. His adventurous spirit as a child earned him the endearing title of "stunt man," always up to something daring and mischievous, filling the lives around him with excitement and laughter. 

Despite his sometimes tough exterior, inside, he was a man of profound warmth and tenderness. He expressed his love earnestly and quietly. His kindness knew no bounds; he was the guy who’d quietly buy groceries for strangers in the grocery line, spreading love in the most unexpected ways. 

O'neal’s passions included barbecuing, fishing, and motorcycle riding. His God-given culinary talents, especially his barbecuing, were legendary, making family gatherings around his table moments to remember forever.  

O'neal loved to workout in his garage, turning it into a space of camaraderie and shared goals with those closest to him. He found solace in listening to his music, which soothed his soul.

He was a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan and the ultimate trash-talker on game day! O'neal’s enthusiasm for the team might have been annoying to non-Cowboys fans, but his infectious laughter and playful spirit united everyone, even in friendly competition. His life was a testament to loyalty, love, and the joy of simple pleasures. 

He loved chatting on the phone, especially with his mother and close family members and friends. His calls were filled with laughter, stories, deep conversation, venting, reminiscing, and sometimes even tears. But one thing is certain those calls brought us all closer together in ways we will never forget.  

Alfred Raye O'neal Denard—our beloved Son, Dad, Paw-Paw, Brother, Nephew, Cousin, and Friend. Though he may no longer walk among us, the love, laughter, and memories he created will forever remain in our hearts.  

O’neal's legacy is one of love, laughter, compassion, humor, devotion, and unforgettable memories. We’ll miss him dearly, but we know we will see him again and his spirit will always be with us, lighting up our hearts. 

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Adrienne Fondelle Denard; his father, Leroy Denard; his grandparents, Clarence and Allie Mae Adam; his uncles, Tommy Adams, Timothy Adams, and Terry Adams; and his aunt, Ollie Washington. 

Those left to cherish his memory are his sons, Jared Denard, and Jacoby Denard; his mother, Sheila Denard; his grandchildren, Keylin Jamil O’Neal Denard, Kaliyah Adrienne Denard, and Jeremiah O’Neal Denard; his brother, Adam Denard; his sisters, Vandetta Thomas, and Victoria Denard; along with numerous other loving friends and family. 

Serving as pallbearers will be Jared Denard, Jacoby Denard, Edward Adams, Jr., Darnell Banks, Marcus Quillian, and Adam Denard. Honorary pallbearers will be Jacob Denard, Kenneth Blueford, and Jeff Jones.