On Wednesday, January 15, 2025, our Brother in Christ, John William “Bill” O’Brien Jr. of Decatur, Alabama went home to be with his Lord at the age of 84 years old. Bill was born on June 26, 1940, in Anniston, Alabama, to the late John William O’Brien Sr. and Katie Buford O’Brien.
Bill (Daddy O to his family and friends) was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws William Ray Vinson and Claudie Adair Arnold Vinson and his beloved wife, Nancy Ann Vinson O’Brien. He is survived by his loving wife, Terry O’Brien; his cherished children, Cindy O’Brien Sandoval (Bobby), Patrick O’Brien (Janie), Debbie O’Brien (David), Tommy O’Brien (Brian), Pam Faircloth (Lee), Joey Borden, and Whitney Lambert; his grandchildren, Morgan Sandoval Stevens (Mathew), Hunter Sandoval, Hannah Gentleman Cowles (Burton), Cole O’Brien, Emily Faircloth, and Audrey Faircloth; and his great-grandchildren, Magnolia Belle Stevens , Margot Rose Stevens, Ray Cowles, and Obie Cowles.
Bill was a graduate of Walter Wellborn High School (1958) and Jacksonville State University. He proudly served as a Captain in the U.S. Army. Following his military service, he built a distinguished career, retiring as a Purchasing Supervisor from Monsanto after 30 years of dedicated service. Later, he channeled his entrepreneurial spirit to establish Container Recycling Inc., earning recognition as the Decatur Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Person of the Year 2010, Rotary Club of Decatur Daybreak Rotarian of the Year 2012, Rotary Club of Decatur Daybreak Shinning Star 2024.
A man of deep faith, Bill was an active member of Westmeade Baptist Church, serving as a deacon, choir member, and teacher. He was also a proud member of Rotary Decatur Daybreak and Gideons International. Bill was committed to serving his community as an election poll worker, sports official, and passionate supporter of missions. His devotion to helping others extended to mission trips in the Dominican Republic and Haiti, where he worked to provide clean drinking water.
Bill’s many interests and hobbies included the restoration of antique trunks, carving duck decoys, traveling, attending his children and grandchildren’s activities, and being an avid outdoorsman.
Bill’s generosity and faith led him to donate thousands of Bibles in English, Spanish and Creole, to outreach organizations and First Priority programs. He hosted Habitat for Humanity student volunteers, opening his home to support their mission of service.
Known for his infectious laugh, captivating storytelling, and kind heart, Bill brought joy to every gathering. He will be remembered for his servant’s heart, unwavering generosity, and deep love for his family and community.
Visitation and funeral service will be held at Westmeade Baptist Church on Monday, January 20, 2025. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m with funeral immediately following. Interment afterwards at Roselawn Cemetery. Reverend Justin McAlpin will officiate the service, with Rideout’s Brown Service Funeral Home directing.
Pallbearers are Hunter Sandoval, Cole O’Brien, Matthew Stevens, Burton Cowles, Joey Borden, Lee Faircloth.
Honorary pallbearers include Don Suggs, Charlie Ezell, Joe Pirtle, John Sohn, George Thorne, Pat Bogle, Jordan Parker, Kenneth Vinson, Earnie Parsons, Jackie Peek, Paul Montgomery.
In lieu of flowers and in honor of Bill’s enduring legacy of service and faith, the family requests donations be made to First Priority Decatur, AL or Save a Life Pregnancy Center Decatur AL.
