John Thomas O'Brien

John Thomas O'Brien was born on November 9, 1938, son of Thomas and Loretta O'Brien in Chicago, Illinois. John's father died in a train accident when he was a small child and John was placed in Maryville Academy Catholic orphanage.

John grew up in Maryville Academy in Des Plaines, lL where he received a good education and religious training.

John joined the US Marine Corp at age 17 and enlisted for four years.

After completing his tour of duty in the Marines, he enlisted in the US Army and knew then he would spend his life serving his country. During John's 18 years in the Army, he served two tours in Germany and many other countries, including a Korean Defense Tour of 13 months. After retirement, John never stopped telling "war stories" of his time there. There will never be a prouder soldier than John O'Brien, Master Sgt. (Ret.).

In 1971, John met his beautiful wife Beverly in Augusta, GA. Together they had two daughters, Erin Moore (Steve Hull) and Christie Gates (Jason) who gave them three grandsons, Nathan and Evan Gates and Alex Moore. Beverly and John celebrated 52 years together.

After serving for 18 years, John retired from the Army and John and Beverly moved to Charleston where he completed college and received his master's degree in education. John began a long and fulfilling career teaching children at Chicora Elementary School in North Charleston. He loved teaching kids and he made learning fun for them. After his retirement from the school district, he was recognized by former students and their parents and praised for his work with their education. They remarked that they may not have recognized his face, but when they heard his voice, they knew it was Mr. O'Brien!

John and Beverly were very active in the Lowcountry Paddlers dub and enjoyed their time on the water with friends. The family were members of the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, where John served two terms on the vestry and taught Sunday school.

John was inducted into the Palmetto Gun Club and competed in Cowboy Action Shooting with the Geechee Gunfighters. His handle was "Pick Ax Pete" and all the cowboys were "the good guys". Their guns and costumes were reminiscent of the late 1800's Cowboy Era. He was also a member of the international organization, the Single Action Shooting Society (SASS) and the VFW.

John had a funny joke (or loose threat) for everyone he met. One thing is for certain, he loved to have a good time. He loved his cowboy movies and listening to his music. You could catch John tinkering in the garage or taking a long walk outside. His grandsons were the apples of his eyes, and he was very proud of them.

Holiday gatherings were important and John loved to watch the boys play football and soccer or wrestle in the fields.

All of John's family loved him with all of their hearts and he will be deeply missed.

Funeral Service to be announced later this week, onced confirmed.

Arrangements by James A. McAlister, Inc. (843) 766-1365.