Odie Odel ‘Bill’ O’Brien Jr.
Odie Odel “Bill” O’Brien Jr., 80, of Spicewood died Aug. 17, 2012, surrounded by his wife and daughters. He was born in Nixon on Dec. 10, 1931, to Odie Sr. and Verdie Forester.
He was the oldest of four children and left home at an early age to join the military. He did a stint with the Texas National Guard, two with the Army and one with the Air Force. He was honorably discharged from all branches.
During his time in the military, he also earned two degrees from the University of Illinois — one in meteorology and the other in business administration.
After his military service, he returned home to San Antonio. Shortly thereafter, his cousin introduced him to a little firecracker named Sally Gatewood. They met at the Flores Country Store in Helotes at a dance and were married in September of that year. The two set off on a grand adventure that resulted in seven daughters, 22 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
When not riding herd on this loud, noisy, rather obnoxious family of his, he enjoyed fishing, reading and watching his Cowboys win Super Bowls (or screaming at the TV when they were losing.)
He left this world more loved than most people ever will be in their lifetimes. He traveled the world, read voraciously and enjoyed a good football game, a poker game and an argument. He loved Schlitz beer and IW Harper Kentucky Whiskey. He loved dancing with Momma and sitting under the stars with her. She was the love of his life, and she blessed him with a houseful of women who adored him and, in turn, gave him a passel of grandkids who worshipped their Papa.
In addition to his wife of 48 years, survivors include daughters Cindy Sullivan and husband Brian of Natalia, Shannon Huffman and husband Ricky of Marble Falls, Hatti Hartman and husband Jeffery of Austin, Tirish Mynk and husband Allen and Keren Schuessler and husband Matthew, all of Spicewood, and Odia Russette and husband Ron of Texarkana; grandchildren Daniel Dossey and wife Stephani of McKinney, Krystal Sullivan, Brandy Sullivan, Cheyenne Sullivan, Matthew Huffman and wife Jessica, Christina Huffman and partner Justin Smith, Alison Hartman, Adam Hartman, Rachelle Mynk, Joshua Mowrey, Meghan Mowrey and partner Marvin Blackford, Kayla Long, Taylor Mynk, Brandon Mynk, Tiffani Carter, Billy Walker, Ben Walker, Caleb Russette, Caden Russette, Micah Russette, Colten Schuessler and Mattilyn Schuessler; and great-grandchildren Lola, Zoe, Taylor, Saige, Halleigh, Sara, Jaxon, Gunner and Cason; many nieces, nephews and friends; and his dogs.
He was preceded in death by his parents; eldest daughter Sally Dossey; and son-in-law Daniel Dossey Sr.
A service was Aug. 20 at Bee Creek Methodist Church in Spicewood. Interment followed at Haynie Flat Cemetery.
Condolences may be offered at www.clementswilcoxfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements by Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home, 1805 U.S. 281 North in Marble Falls, (830) 693-4373.