Capt. William Lawrence Connell USN

My health has always been so poor that Bill and I assumed I would pass first. He promised me the first thing he would do was pack up all my clothes, all my shoes, and all my jewelry and even my stuffed animals and donate them to Goodwill. Lastly, he’d donate all my crates of music and sell my grand piano and classical guitar.

Well, Bill, fate has fooled us both, and I don’t like it one bit. I know you hated having cancer, but you faced it bravely and with as positive an outlook as any person could have.

Bill was born on June 8, 1945, in Jersey City, NJ to Marie Imelda and Bernard Hartford Connell, Sr. He grew up with two brothers, Pat, and Bernie, in Kearney, NJ. Bill loved to learn and excelled in the Catholic school, St. Cecelia where he graduated Valedictorian. Also, an outstanding athlete in several sports, he led the basketball team to two State Championships his junior then again in his senior year. He was named MVP both years.

Bill attended the United States Naval Academy where he played basketball and baseball. He was on track to be an astronaut, but in his junior year, his vision slipped, so he changed to nuclear engineering. He graduated Magna Cum Laude.

Off to Mare Island Bill went for Nuclear Power School. There he met a very tall, lovely brunette, Carol Ann Byrd. They were married on November 9, 1968, in a beautiful candlelight ceremony, SRO. Little Hollis, OK had read about the Naval Academy men who were from Spain, Italy, California, etc. They were there to see this “Big event.” The Connells went on to share 54 wonderful years together.

Bill was then sent to Norfolk, VA to serve as a Navigator on the USS Raleigh (LPD-1). He did very well, but Carol didn’t as she was constantly ill. After meeting with her specialists, Bill decided he had to give up his dream of being a Line Officer. At the end of his four years active duty, he put in his request, and he was finally released from active duty. It was a sad time for both.

Bill was hired by TI which was perfect; Carol needed a drier climate. He signed up for the Naval Reserve and retired as a Captain. In early 1990, the Navy called Bill to serve in a war which was brewing. For the first time, Bill said “No”. They told him to get his chemical warfare uniform from the nearby Naval Air Base as he was to serve on the Command Ship. He would be given 24 hours’ notice. So, while I oversaw the building of our third and final “dream home”, Bill served on the Command Staff in Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Bill earned several medals through the years even though he was only in Dessert Shield and Dessert Storm as far as seeing “war” duty. He was awarded The Navy Commendation Medal.

He became a Blue and Gold Officer for the Naval Academy; he interviewed over a hundred hopefuls, being honest with them about the difficulties of getting in and staying in. He was passionate about the Academy, but he never let that passion mislead a teenager.

Bill came up with the idea of a USNA Parents Chapter. He and I met with a family he knew and discussed what a wonderful support structure this would be for both the youngsters and for the parents themselves. The whole thing took off like wildfire. Within four years, Dallas had the largest USNA Parents Chapter in the nation.

Bill also enrolled at SMU’s Business School and took classes at night. He received his MBA from SMU. Bill was active in the Naval Academy Club; was President once and played basketball and softball with them.

Bill worked for Rockwell International for 20 years; he was an excellent Program Manager. He then worked for Ericson until they shutdown. He finally worked as an Executive in Security at DFW. At the 2008 national conference for all the major airports he was awarded the Transportation Security Administration, Officer of the Year.

During all of this, Bill did find time to father two sons. His first son John Paul died shortly after he was born. Christopher, born June 17, 1974, weighing in at 12 lbs., 14 lbs. when we left the hospital 3 days later. Taking after his dad, Chris was an excellent basketball player, and he was Valedictorian at Jesuit College Prep. His Mom was a Valedictorian, too. He grew to be an amazing young man who, unfortunately died of a rare heart condition at age 46. These two deaths were heart breaking for Bill and Carol, but they held each other closer and kept their faith in God.

In his “spare time” Bill earned his realtors license then his broker’s license. Just in case he ever needed another career.

Bill was a Stephen Minister for 20 years at FUMC Richardson. He also served in various other areas, and, of course, he played on the basketball team.

In 2009, Bill suffered a terrible stroke. The doctor told me he would probably die, and it might be for the best. However, he woke up, began to exercise the best he could. He amazed everyone. One year later, Bill looked great and was walking and talking and driving. But he did retire. He felt it was the right thing to do.

Then we moved to Highland Springs. Bill jumped right in, volunteering for things he was interested in. He became a member of the Memory and Music program at Fountain View and a member of the Communication Committee. Bill was chairman of the Medical and Continuing Care Committee and served on the Grief Support Committee. He was the creator and sustainer of the Weight Matters Blog and Facilitator of the Alzheimer’s Support Group. He created the first data base of deceased residents. Then he became editor of VOICES Newsletter and did an excellent job, only retiring when his health took a turn for the worse. Bone Marrow Cancer.

Bill is preceded in death by his two sons, John Paul and Christopher, his parents, his sister-in-law, Marilyn Connell and his brother-in-law G. Don Byrd, PhD.

Bill will always be remembered for the sweet, kind, and gentle man he was, for all the good he did. He was always willing to help anyone in any way he could. He was brilliant but humble. I believe Bill was one of God’s finest creations. He will be missed by us all. Rest in Peace, my “Knight in Shining Armor” We’ll be together again. Together forever.

Bill Connell

June 8, 1945 – October 22, 2022

Services to be held:

Tuesday. November 15. 1:00 p.m.

Highland Springs, Arts and Entertainment Center

Reception following in the Arbor Room

8000 Frankford Road

Dallas, TX

Burial:

Wednesday, November 16, 2:45 p.m.

Dallas-Ft. Worth National Cemetery

In lieu of flowers a tribute may be sent to:

U.S. Naval Academy Foundation

274 Wood Road

Annapolis, MD 21402

First United Methodist Church Richardson

Music Ministry or Stephen Ministry

503 N. US75 Central Expressway 1000

Richardson, TX 75080