John Lawrence Connelly

John Lawrence Connelly – Age 82 died Thursday, March 17, 2011. Born in Dickson, TN Thursday July 19, 1928 to the late Jno Neely and Thelma Hammon Connelly. and he is preceded by in death by his wife, Edythe Dickens Connelly, his brother Herbert (Joan) and sister-in-law, Gail.

A graduate of North Nashville High School, John held degrees from Middle Tennessee State University and Vanderbilt Peabody College. He completed post graduate work at Vanderbilt University. John taught at East High School and University School of Nashville. He also taught and acted as Dean of Students of Aquinas College. In 1981, he founded Germantown Oktoberfest. He served as Davidson County Historian from 1996 until recently. Additionally, John founded the Friends of Archives and received the Metropolitan Historical Commission’s Achievement Award in 1996 and the Historical Achievement Award in 2007. He held the office of President of the Historical Commission from 1985 until 1989.

Survivors include his brothers Donald (Carlene) St. Augustine, FL; Bobby, Nashville, TN; sister, Carolyn Connelly Coleman, Atlanta, GA; and by numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial Service will be held 2:00 pm Monday, March 21, 2011 at Monroe Street United Methodist Church, where John was a lifetime member. The service will be led by Rev. Rosemary Brown.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Monroe Street United Methodist Church, 700 Monroe Street, Nashville.

Arrangements under the direction of Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home and Memorial Park, Nashville, TN.