Charles A. O'Brien

Charles Albert O’Brien of Lexington, S. C. passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at the age of 83, surrounded by his family. He leaves us with a legacy of much conversation, stories of which were repeated many, many times, immeasurable love of his church, family and God. Services in his memory will be held at 3:00 p.m. August 9th at Columbia First Church of the Nazarene, 901 St. Andrews Road, Columbia, S.C. 29212. Visitation and reception will follow in the gym of Columbia First Church. The Reverend Eric Nahass and the Reverend Geoff Kunselman will be officiating.

Charles was born in Columbia, S. C. to Homer and Gertrude O’Brien on April, 29, 1943. He graduated from Eau Claire High School with many athletic achievements. He was especially proud of his football career under the leadership of Coach Art Baker and the many accomplishments of his team during his Junior and Senior year of High School.

Charles joined the Air National Guard right after graduating high school. He was activated in 1961 and served in the Air National Guard for the next ten years.

He worked for WF Ballentine until he began his employment with UPS where he worked until his retirement in 1998. He was a member of the UPS Circle of Honor awarded for millions of safe driving miles.

Charles was a member of Columbia First Church of the Nazarene for 55 years. He served lovingly and faithfully in the music ministry all those years. In his earlier years, he sang in the Emmanuel Quartet with Ralph Rabon, Ellison Collins, and Joanne Stover. He spent many years singing alongside the Strickland trio, Joan Laffery, Carol Copeland and Claudia Preston. He also shared many singing engagements with Kathy Barker. Charles had a great passion for talking or singing to anyone at any time.

Charles was known for being a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend whose life was defined by faith, kindness, and an unwavering love for his family. He was a proud Christian man who lived his life with compassion and humility, always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

He was an avid hunter and one of the finest and most respected sportsmen around. Charles found peace in the outdoors and cherished the time he spent with his family and friends in the woods. Whether he was in the woods or sharing stories afterward, he had a way of bringing people together.

Those who knew him will forever remember the countless stories he loved to tell, from his high school football days, his years working with UPS, his faith, the countless amount of hunting stories, to the beautiful love story he shared and built with his beloved wife.

Through every joy and every hardship, his love for her remained strong, setting an example of lifelong devotion.

Being a father was one of Charles greatest blessings. His family was the center of his world, and there was nothing he wouldn’t have done for them. He loved them fiercely and unconditionally, always putting his family before himself. They grew up knowing they were loved, supported, and protected by a father whose strength was matched only by his compassion. As the years passed, that love only grew stronger as he watched his family expand with grandchildren and great grandchildren. His greatest pride wasn’t found in what he had accomplished, it was found in the family he helped build and the legacy of love he leaves behind.

Charles is survived by his wife of 64 years, Patsy; his daughters Angela Haygood (Bryant)of Lexington and Andrea Emch of Maine, Son Charles (Chuck) O’Brien, Jr.(Sharon) of Leesville; his grandchildren, Allie Emch, Erica Emch, Emily Gulledge (Corey), Charles (Little Chuck) O’Brien, III , Christian O’Brien and Cameron O’Brien, his great grandchildren, Bella, Adelyn, Liam, Aurora and Amira.

Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing that Charles’s faith has become sight and that he is now at peace in the presence of his Lord. His legacy of love, strength, generosity, and faith will continue to live on through his family he loved so deeply.

He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

Instead of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Columbia First Church of the Nazarene, Music Fund, 901 St. Andrews Road, Columbia, S. C. 29212