Alfred Lee O'Briant

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Alfred Lee O’Briant on May 19, 2025, just shy of his 96th birthday. Alfred told everyone he had lived a long and wonderful life and his greatest gift was his wonderful and loving family. We were privileged to have had him in our lives for so long.

Alfred was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. His journey on this earth was one marked by love, compassion and faith in God. Alfred spent his entire life in the service of others, beginning as a young boy helping his family and continued through out his life caring for family, friends and anyone who needed a helping hand. He loved family gatherings, cooking BBQ chicken with the American Legion and making fried fish everyone loved. He always had a smile on his face and a joke to share. His grandchildren remember him for his enthusiastic ‘Hi Shug’ and big hug. His passing has left a void in are hearts. We ask that you remember him for the way he lived his life and for the profound impact it had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing him

Alfred was born in Durham, NC on June 6, 1929 to Eddie Henry O’Briant, Sr and Dessie Mae Ferrell. He graduated from Lowe’s Grove High School and briefly attended Elon College on a football scholarship. He was in the Army during the Korean War and served in Germany. He married Marjorie Russell on February 1, 1958 and they enjoyed 67 years of marriage. He had 3 children, Jan Latham (Andrew), Dana Lloyd (Ronnie), and Lee Jay O’Briant (Deborah). He was blessed with 10 grandchildren, Brian Lloyd (Amanda), Carrie Johnson (Charlie), Alison O’Donnell (Ryan), Melissa Marotta (Timothy), Amy Mervak (Dan), Stephen Latham (Kimberly), Kirstin Green, Adam Latham (Nichole), Ryan O’Briant (Sheureka)and Jeff Clark (Miranda). He had 16 great grandchildren, Delaney Johnson, Dylan Johnson, Mikayla Wurtsbaugh (Alec), Mikenzie Green, Ciera Lloyd, Zoey Lloyd, Jack Latham, Evelyn Latham, Jonathan Latham, Clara Mervak, Able Mervak, Carolina Clark, Rowan Clark, Kaiden O’Briant, Bryson O’Briant, and Finley o’Donnell. He also had one great-great grandchild, June Wurtsbaugh with a second great-great grandchild expected in July.

Alfred was a member of Lowe’s Grove Baptist Church and a member of the Lowe’s Grove American Legion, Post #416. He retired from Mead Containers in Durham after working there for 40 years. He went on to become the site Manger for Camp New Hope in Chapel Hill for a number of years, then worked as a Sales Associate for Triangle Hardware in Durham. He was hardworking and he loved all of his jobs and especially loved working and helping the public.

He was proceeded in death by his Father, Eddie Henry O’Briant, Sr., his Mother, Dessie Mae Ferrell, two brothers E.H. O’Briant Jr., Billy O’Briant, and one sister, Reba Glenn. He is survived by one sister, Peggy Tripp, who visited him weekly and shared lots of love, laughter and lots of “O’Briant” jokes. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. While he has lost many friends over the years, he still had a number of dear close friends who loved and supported him and Marjorie through his final days.

Although Alfred’s physical presence may no longer grace our lives, his spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us. May his memory be a blessing, and may we carry forth his legacy of love and compassion in all that we do.

The family will receive friends and family at the Lowe’s Grove Baptist Church Fellowship Hall on Saturday, May 24, 2025 from 1:00pm - 2:00pm. A graveside service will follow the visitation at the Lowe’s Grove Baptist Cemetery at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Lowe’s Grove Baptist Church at 4430 S. Alston Avenue, Durham, NC 27713.