James Michael "Mike" O'Brien, 67 of E. Main Street, Lawndale, gained his heavenly wings on Wednesday, October 13, 2021at Rutherford Regional Health System.
Born in Cleveland County, NC on September 12, 1954, he was the son of the late James O'Brien and Betty Sweezy O'Brien. He graduated from Burns High School and Cleveland Community College. He was a 32nd degree Mason and a Shriner. Mike previously served on the Lawndale Town Council, Lawndale Historical Committee, Past Mayor of Lawndale, The Board of the Life Enrichment Center of Cleveland County and on the Upper Cleveland Rescue Squad.
He was retired from the NC Department of Corrections as Assistant Superintendent of the Shelby Correctional Center and was active on the Prison Emergency Riot Team for many years. In 1993 he was awarded the CAP award for a meritorious act of an heroic nature.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant brother, Joey Franklin O'Brien.
Survivors include Rita Canipe O'Brien; brother-in-law, Bobby Canipe (Paula) and Jerry Canipe (Tammy); three step-sisters, Kathy Flowers, Lisa Burleson and Patty Cash and three step-brothers, Scott Church, Ronnie Pearson and Bill Pearson.
A private service will be held at a later date.
Being an avid animal lover, his wishes were that in lieu of flowers any memorials may be made to the Humane Society of Cleveland County, 1609 E Marion Street, Shelby NC 28150 or to the Community Pet Center of Rutherford County, 861 Piney Ridge Rd, Forest City, NC 28043.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Stamey-Tysinger Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Inc., Fallston, NC. |
