Morris R. (Mac) McConnell, age 88 passed away peacefully in New Market, Hampshire. Mac was born in Lee County, VA on August 9, 1927 to parents John Sherman McConnell and Florence Almira (Morris) McConnell. He was grandson to the legendary Pearl Morris McConnell and the youngest of 12 brothers and sisters. Mac was a WWII Navy veteran stationed at Naval Air Lakehurst from 1945 to 1948. After service, Mac worked for the Navy’s “Lighter Than Air” program in overhaul & repair at Lakehurst as a rigger and helium diver. Here he mastered his skills in airship/blimp building, which was his true love. When the Navy ended the “Lighter Than Air” program, Mac was hired at the Naval Air Test Facility (N.A.T.F.) Lakehurst, as an A.L.A.D. (aircraft launch & arresting device) test mechanic. After 37 years he retired as a foreman in 1982. As a Master Airship/Blimp builder Mac was hired by Piasecki Aircraft as head rigger on the Helistat Project at Lakehurst. Mac then worked for Integrated Systems Solutions as a caretaker of the Navy’s first airship to be commissioned in over 50 years, the MZ-3A docked in Hanger #5 Lakehurst. Mac was a senior member of the Lakehurst Historical Society and part of the initiative that established the Navy Lakehurst Heritage Center.
Mac loved music and played acoustic bass for many years with the Jersey Ramblers as “Pee Wee” McConnell at Rac’s Hut, a popular country western nightclub in Jackson, NJ. As a member of the house band, he had opportunity to play with many popular country music stars including Roy Clark, Patsy Cline and George Jones. He later started his own band called Mac McConnell & The Virginians where he finished an illustrious music career. He was also an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing.
Mac is preceded in death by his wife of more than 50 years, Wanda McConnell. Surviving are his sons, Richard and wife Deb McConnell of Epping, NH and John and wife Debbie McConnell of Forked River, NJ. He is also survived by two grandsons, Christopher and Jon McConnell, and two great-grandchildren Carson and Violet.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, March 31, 2016 from 6 to 8 pm at the Cathedral of the Air, Rt. 547, Lakehurst, NJ 08733. Burial services will be on Friday, April 1, 2016 at 10:30 at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Memorial Cemetery, 14 Chesterfield Arneytown Road, Wrightstown, NJ 08562.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mac’s name to the Navy Lakehurst Historical Society, PO Box 328, Lakehurst, NJ 08733-0328.
The McHugh Funeral Home of Manchester, NH has been entrusted by the family with his care. Condolences may be offered at www.mchughfuneralhome.com.
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