Johnny Douglas Conner

Johnny Douglas Conner, 75, of North Babylon, entered into Eternal Life on September 16, 2023. Proud USMC Vietnam War Veteran. Born in New Holland, Georgia to the late Anderson Harrison Conner and Nella Louise Crane Conner on October 26, 1947, Johnny has been a resident of North Babylon since 1976. Beloved father of Colleen Ann Conner, Katey Jane Lew, Jake William Conner, and the late Johnny Douglas Conner, Jr. Loving father-in-law of Natalie Conner, Jeremy Michael Lew, and Danielle Nicole Conner. Adored grandfather of Amanda, Cassandra, Kevin, Hope, Jillian, Erin, Gracie, Johnny III, Savannah, Dylan, Hailey, and Ryan. Adored great-grandfather of Christopher, Jolene, and Ravenna. Dear brother of Betty Louise Moon, Sandra Kay Studstill, Janice Marie Conner Jackson, and the late Martha Ann January. Cherished friend of Bobby Giovino. Also survived by his loving dog, Louie. Johnny was passionate about cultivating his vegetable garden, taking his children deep-sea fishing out of Captree, and cheering for his favorite football teams, The Falcons and The Georgia Bulldogs, which he called "the Dawgs," with his charming southern drawl. Perhaps most defining in his life, Johnny served as a helicopter gunner in the United States Marine Corps in Vietnam. Decades later, in an emotion-filled reunion, Johnny was reunited with the helicopter he flew in Vietnam on the East End of Long Island, still bearing the etchings that he made into the door when he was flying the aircraft as a young man. As a man in his fifties, Johnny once again flew in his old aircraft in air shows all across the United States for over a decade, until much to his disappointment, the helicopter was retired to the United States Marine Corps Museum in Triangle, Virginia. A website dedicated to the story of the heroics of Johnny and others like him is chronicled on the website freedomsflyingmemorial.org. Johnny's life story will continue to inspire those who will cherish the memory of his devotion to his family and those touched by his friendship and generosity of self. Family will receive friends at Claude R. Boyd-Spencer Funeral Home, 448 W. Main Street, Babylon, Wednesday, September 20, 2023, 2-4:30 p.m. & 7-9 p.m. Funeral service 10 a.m. Thursday, September 21, 2023, at the funeral home. Interment to follow at Calverton National Cemetery.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Boyd-Spencer.com for the Conner family.