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Jay O'Brien Obituary

Jay Terry O'Brien

Waxahachie, TX

Jay Terry O'Brien of Waxahachie passed away peacefully February 14, 2014. Terry was born December 27, 1937 in Scranton, Texas. He graduated from Lubbock's Monterrey High School in 1956 and McMurry College in 1961. He married Carolyn Baggett of Sweetwater in 1959 and was a caring husband for 54 years.

Terry was a gifted, natural athlete beginning in childhood and played all sports. He excelled as McMurry's football quarterback and was named captain of the team. Terry was drafted by the New York Titans after college, and he was proud to be inducted into the McMurry Hall of Honor in 1999. His love of sports didn't fade in adulthood. Terry always knew the latest sports standings, attended high school games, watched sports on TV, played golf, and fished.

Terry's generous heart, kind smile, and big humor turned strangers into friends easily. Terry loved and was genuinely interested in people which attracted many lasting friendships. He enjoyed a rewarding professional life, and after he retired he loved being a substitute teacher/coach at Waxahachie ISD.

Terry is survived by Carolyn O'Brien of Waxahachie, Kelly O'Brien of San Antonio, Michael & Lisa O'Brien of Austin, Coley & Dana O'Brien of Denton, and Timothy O'Brien of Ennis. Terry especially cherished his grandchildren Teresa Jean & Ian O'Brien of Austin and Claire & Brooke O'Brien of Denton.

Terry had been very ill since June 2013, fighting a courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease. The family honored Terry's request that his body be donated to UT Southwestern for Parkinson's research.

A memorial service will be held on March 8, 2014, 4-6pm, at Comfort Suites in Waxahachie. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Nicholas P. Sims Library, 515 W Main St., Waxahachie, TX 75165.

Terry O'Brien was a Prince of a Man, a loving husband, his grandson's hero, and a wonderful Pappa. He will be greatly missed.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Abilene Reporter-News on Feb. 23, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
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March 5, 2014

Mr. O'Brien was a wonderful man and a walking book of knowledge. I think he knew every sports stat known to man, including athletes from my hometown of Pampa, Texas. He was the best of subs, and he will be missed by all of us. He was always smiling, especially when he was bringing me a newspaper article that he thought I could use in the classroom! I know your wonderful memories of this special man will help your family get through this difficult time. I am so glad I had the blessing of knowing such a fine man.
Debby Leake
Waxahachie Ninth Grade Academy

Dana Scott

February 25, 2014

He will be missed by so many. I always enjoyed talking to him about McMurry and the Big Country. He was a sweet man who never failed to make you smile.

Brian Graves

February 25, 2014

Its vary sad of the passing of mr.O'Brien he was a great man and friand to me and my famly and played a big part in my life trow school and every day activities like fixing his car whit my dad and him or him just giveing me edvise to stay out of trobul and keep up my grades thow he is gone and will be misst by all the lives hes toucht he is in a better place and one day we will all see each outher agian.....RIP.....MR.O'BRIEN

tray graves

February 24, 2014

I am so sorry to hear of O'Obrien's passing. He was a good friend of many. He will alway's be a friend of mine.I will alway's have many memories of him. He will be missed by all of us.

Amy Jensen

February 24, 2014

Thank you, Mr. O'Brien, for your work with Waxahachie's youth when you were a substitute at Waxahachie Ninth Grade Academy. You will be greatly missed.

Jenanne Hill

February 24, 2014

I am so sorry to hear of Mr. O'Obrien's passing. He was a favorite sub here at NGA, and always had a kind word. Mr.O'Brien always stopped by my classroom at the end of the day to speak to my own two young boys. He would always ask them about their sports and school. I know he will truly be missed. May you find comfort in your many treasured memories of him.

COLEY O'BRIEN

February 23, 2014

WE LOVE YOU DAD AND WE WILL MISS YOU !

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