Johnny Edward O'Brien

Johnny Edward O’Brien passed away at the age of 72 on April 24, 2025. He was born to the  late Freddie Edward O’Brien and Evelyn O’Brien Toups on October 02, 1952. While a native of Pascagoula, MS, Johnny split his time between Ramrod Key, FL and Biloxi, MS. 

Johnny graduated in 1970 from OLV Catholic School (Pascagoula, MS) and attended MGCCC Perkinston where he was a member of the 1971 National Junior College Football Championship team. After school, he worked at Fletcher Construction for several years before working for 20 years at Rohm and Haas (Morton) Chemical Plant in Moss Point, MS. After the plant closed, Johnny captained 65’ to 165’ crew boats on lease to oil companies until his retirement in 2005.

From the first time he held a rod, Johnny only thought of fishing for Ling and Red Snapper, but he happily caught whatever swam by him. In the 70’s and 80’s, Johnny won the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo 7 times, and most notably he broke the 1951 record for the biggest Ling. 

After moving to Ramrod Key, he spent his time catching lobster and snorkeling in the clear blue water. The love of his life was his Shamrock and being on the water, and he did this with his partner, Alice.

Johnny is survived by his partner of 22 years, Alice Bates; brothers Freddie Joe (Jackie) and Tommy (Cecily); sister Donna Cantrell; nephews Jody, Jonathan, Matthew, Destin, Tom, and Cree Cantrell; niece Stevie Cantrell Phillips; great nephews and nieces; cousins; and friends. 

A Memorial Mass will be held at OLV Catholic Church in Pascagoula, MS on May 31, 2025.  Visitation will begin at 10:00 am with Mass beginning at 11:00 am. 

PLEASE DO NOT SEND FLOWERS TO THE FUNERAL HOME AS THERE ARE NO SERVICES AT OUR FACILITY.

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