Terrance Douglas Conner

Terry was preceded in death by his parents, James Stanley Conner and Verna Lee Haynes Conner.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Erin Lensgraf Conner; his son Dustin Conner and daughter Tiffani Conner (Laura); his stepchildren, Jessica Skeen (Sean) and Curtis Arms (Aubrey); his beloved grandchildren, Jackson and Olivia Conner, Abby, Logan, and Ethan Skeen, and Mallori, Kyland, and Elijah Arms, Nathan Murray; his brother, Jay Conner (Alice); sister in law Allison Lensgraf Ogden; Brother in laws Dr. Arthur Lensgraf (Joan) and Dr. Alan Lensgraf (Paola); and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Terry was born February 13, 1948, in Knoxville, Tennessee. His family lived in Inskip until 1957 before moving to Lexington, Kentucky. After three years, they returned to Knoxville, where Terry grew up in West Knoxville and later graduated from Bearden High School. During his younger years, he enjoyed sports, especially baseball.

Terry served in the United States Marine Corps. He completed basic training at Parris Island, South Carolina, before being transferred to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. After receiving an honorable discharge, he returned to Knoxville and dedicated himself to building a life for his family.

Terry was an entrepreneur who worked with his hands and took great pride in providing for his family. His strong work ethic began early with his first job delivering newspapers at the age of twelve. Over the years he worked in landscaping, painting, and house renovation, owned a dry-cleaning business, and eventually operated his own paving and asphalt company.

Terry was known for his willingness to help anyone who needed it—whether fixing something, helping with a project, supporting a good cause, or offering a helping hand. His generosity left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

In 2006, Terry married Erin and gladly welcomed her children and grandchildren into his life. Together they shared twenty years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and companionship. Terry especially enjoyed the simple moments they shared, including long walks and spontaneous drives together.

Terry valued the time he spent with family and friends. He loved watching his grandchildren play sports and grow. He also treasured the lifelong friendships he shared with the “Rocky Hill Gang,” a group of friends whose bond began in elementary school and lasted throughout the years.

Terry had a well-known sweet tooth, and his favorite candy was orange slices. The family invites anyone who wishes to remember him to enjoy an orange slice or two in his honor—he would have liked that.

The family would like to acknowledge special friends Leonard Markham, Jerry Whitehead, J.R. Hamilton, Ronnie Cochran, Andy Cook and thank the staff of Sacred Ground Hospice House for their compassionate care and support.

Terry will be remembered most for his generosity, his loyalty, and the deep love he had for his family and friends.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, March 29, 2026, from 2:00–4:00 p.m. at Berry Highland West, 9913 Sherrill Blvd., Knoxville, TN 37932. A Celebration of Life will follow immediately afterward. The interment will be held Monday, March 30, 2026, at 10:45 a.m. at Berry Highland West.

The Celebration of Life and interment service will be officiated by Leonard Markham.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Sacred Ground Hospice House and The Ovarian Cancer Foundation. www.Sacredgroundhospicehouse/donate