This was hands down one of the Greatest Men I ever knew

Did a search of a coupe of old builders I knew from the 70's. I looked up 2 of my favorites Jim Norwood and Bill O'Brien. These men made an impact on me as I was a Draftsman for Talbot and Associates where we did all of their surveying and layout work.  I hadn't seen Bill since 1982 (38 years ago). I'm glad to see he lived a long life and had a large famiy.  It means something when you remember a man from 38 years ago. He was that kind of man.

Our condolences to the family. William was a very loving man and will be greatly missed.
Rick and Linda Faine

Gary,
Our condolences and prayers to you and your family,
Bill and Vickie Smith  

I love my Uncle William.  

Hearing of his passing brings back such great memories.  My sisters (Jennifer and Ann) and I loved visiting Uncle William and Aunt Evon at their home in VA (boy that tire swing!)
My Dad (Uncle Buddy) always spoke so highly of his brother William.  My Dad loved his siblings and cherished the times they could all be together.  The O'Brien siblings all had big personalities but always deferred to Uncle William when he was in the room - if you knew the O'Briens you know that is saying something! 
Uncle William always carried himself with such grace and pride - something I have tried to emulate throughout my life.  He was a great, great man. 
To Aunt Evon - I love you and am thinking about you.  To my cousins Gary, Michael, Pat, and Kevin - you were blessed to have such a great Dad and Uncle William was blessed to have such great sons. I know you made him proud. To Uncle William's grandchildren and great grandchildren - I am sorry for your loss but feel fortunate to have known your Grand Dad and Great Grand Dad. 
To Uncle William - your siblings are waiting for you in heaven.  Be with them and watch over them like you always have. Keep them in line!   Rest in Peace Uncle William

I love my Uncle William


Most importantly, I am glad you've made it to the home you've been working towards as long as I've known you. I hope it's everything you dreamed, and you're ready to see me one day. Thank you for everything. Thank you for giving me a second home where you taught me the monkey bars on the playground you built. Thank you for always reminding me I had someone to talk to, and never giving up on me. I'll never forget the look in your eyes when you recounted the stories of the time we spent together. I still feel like you're right there and I can talk to you at any time, so thank you for being a guardian angel. For something I think he would want us all to remember: 
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Gary, I am very sorry for your and your family’s loss. Losing a loved one is painful to say the least  and even more so when it is a parent. May he now Rest In Peace. Thinking of you at this very sad time, my friend.

Terri Chisholm Speach

My name is Tommy  Pounds. William was my Uncle. I loved Uncle William. He loved me. You see Uncle William loved everyone. This man was a true real man. He was a Man’s Man. You see Uncle William greatest strength was his faith in Jesus Christ. Uncle William showed me or any person around him how to live as a Christian. Uncle William I’m so sad you have passed. But out of everyone that I have ever met. No doubt you are sitting and eating with Christ. That I know for sure. 
God Bless Guys

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Evon O'Brien

Gary O'Brien and wife, Mardy

Michael O'Brien and wife, Claudia

Pat O'Brien and wife, Patricia

Kevin O'Brien and wife, Karen

Mike O'Brien

Tom O'Brien

Emma Pounds

Tootsie Gorski

Wendy McMahon

Erin Ogletree

Kim Root

Carter O'Brien

Clayton O'Brien

Cody O'Brien

Kelly O'Brien

He is also survived by 15 great grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren.

Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home

Gary O'Brien

Michael O'Brien 

Pat O'Brien 

Kevin O'Brien

Cody O'Brien 

William O'Brien

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William J. O'Brien

November 1, 1928 – October 4, 2019

Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home & Rosewood Memorial Park

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