In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Jeffrey Conner and his sister, Debra Perry.
Donnie is survived by his wife, Karen Roberts Conner; son, William Darrell Conner; grandchildren, Brianna Lynn Conner, William Nathan Conner, and Michael James Conner.
Donnie's greatest love was for his family, especially his three grandchildren. This would also include his daily companion and best bud, Porter. Donnie was a lifelong San Francisco 49ers fan and enjoyed watching them play on Sunday afternoons. He loved to fish and play pool but by far his biggest talent was playing Texas Holdem and Omaha poker. He enjoyed watching the old westerns that included Clint Eastwood but his favorite actor of all time was John Wayne, the "Duke".
Donnie worked most of his life as a cook. He started his career washing dishes at Rumley's Restaurant when he was just 10 years old. He went on to work at Ayers Sandwich shop, Russell's Drive in but mostly everyone remembers him from his days at Dixie Pig. At one point, he and his wife owned and operated their own restaurant. In the mid 90's he went on to work and finished his career at Stanley Furniture.
From Darrell - My father was a kind, generous and extremely hard working man.
As a child, you don't always understand the sacrifices a parent makes until you grow up and have to do the same. My dad's sole goal and purpose in life was to give me and my mom a better life - and he succeeded with flying colors. For that, I'll always be proud of my father. There wasn't anything he wouldn't do for any one in our family at a moment’s notice. One of the many things he taught me that will always be a core value is that if you are going to do something, you better be ready to give 100%+ or don't even do it at all. We loved watching movies together - a past time I am fortunate to now share with my kids. This June my parents would have been married for 45 years. He will always be forever in our hearts and thoughts. I love you Dad!
A visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at Collins Funeral Home. A memorial service will follow at 6:00 pm and will be officiated by Pastor Kirk Montgomery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Fairway Baptist Church's Back2School Ministry, 9427 Fairystone Hwy, Bassett, VA 24055.
Collins Funeral Home in Bassett, VA is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.collinsmckeestonebassett.com.
