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Joseph "Joey" O'Brien, back row, poses with his daughters, Katey, Ashley and Macy, in this undated photo. (Courtesy of Rev. Jon Lynes)

MOBILE, Alabama -- The 48-year-old man found fatally shot on Springhill Avenue late Wednesday night was a regular fixture at Little Flower Catholic Church, where he had been a member for at least seven years.

Whether it was replacing a light bulb or cooking up fish during Lent, Joseph "Joey" O'Brien frequently volunteered his time, the church's pastor said.

"He was just a fantastic person," said Rev. John Lynes. "Every funeral is hard but this one has really knocked people off their feet."

O'Brien was riding his bicycle late Wednesday night when he was fatally shot, said Sgt. Christopher Levy, public information officer with the Mobile Police Department. Police were called to Springhill Avenue near Broad Street at 11:50 p.m., where they discovered OBrien's body.

For the members of Little Flower Catholic Church, O'Brien wasn't just a fellow parishioner. He was well-known at the church and the "heart and soul" of any project with which he was tasked.

"He was involved in everything," Lynes said. "He was our Joey... He was upbeat, always smiling and laughing."

On Wednesday night, O'Brien volunteered at the church until about 9 p.m., Lynes said. He later asked his wife if she'd like to accompany him on a bicycle ride, as she often did.

On that particular night, she declined, Lynes said.

The loss has been particularly hard on Lynes, who socialized with O'Brien outside the church many times over the years.

"He was a friend. We went to games, we did things together," Lynes said. "He was a great guy, a great grandfather."

A vigil will be held to pray for O'Brien and victims of violence at 7 p.m. on Sunday, according to Lynes. It will be held near the post office on Springhill Avenue near Broad Street, where O'Brien's body was found.