Mr. Connell was born in Ocala, Florida and had lived in Statesboro since 1979. He was a United States Army veteran and was a member of Statesboro First United Methodist Church, where he was a member of the Dan Williams Sunday school class.
Mr. Connell earned a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida. He later went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Forest Management from Syracuse University in New York. He was called into active duty in September of 1952 where he served at Fort Eustis & Fort Story, VA. He was 2nd Lt.
Mr. Connell began his working career at St. Regis Paper Company as a Forester in Milton, FL. Following this job, he worked for T.R. Miller Mill Co. and later went on to work for Equitable Life Insurance Society as the Timber Specialist. He accepted a position working for John Hancock as a Timber specialist in 1978. This was the job that brought him to Statesboro, GA and was the job he held until he retired in 2006.
After moving to Statesboro, GA, Mr. Connell developed a subdivision known today as “Laurel Hill” where he resided. He loved and cared deeply for his neighbors.
He enjoyed the outdoors, spending much of his time taking nature walks. He had a love for fishing and hunting. He was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. He had a brilliant mind and an extremely kind heart.
Mr. Connell is survived by his wife, Shirley R. Connell; son, Wayne C. Connell and wife, Sherry; two grandchildren, Amy Connell and Matt Connell all of Statesboro; two sisters, Dell Smith and Vivian Jones both of Pensacola, FL.
A gathering of family and friends will be held 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM Sunday, March 25th in Hodges-Moore Funeral Home, immediately followed by the funeral service in the funeral home chapel with Reverend Jimmy Cason officiating. The burial with military honors will be held in Bulloch Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be directed to Statesboro First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 2048, Statesboro, Georgia 30459 or Ogeechee Area Hospice, P.O. Box 531, Statesboro, Georgia 30459.
Please visit our online memorial at www.hodgesmoore.com to sign the guest book and share fond memories with the Connell family.
Hodges-Moore Funeral Home is in charge of funeral arrangements.
