James Lloyd Connell

James Lloyd Connell, 88, entered his eternal home with his Lord and Savior on March 18, 2017. He died peacefully surrounded by his loving family after complications from diabetes. He was the son of the late David Arthur Connell and the late Sarah Mae Bostic Connell and the devoted husband of his loving wife Betty Scott Thompson Connell for 69 years. He grew up on Connell Road in Mint Hill, NC, and was a member of Arlington Baptist Church in the Clear Creek community, where he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at a young age.

He is survived by his two children: Wanda Connell Parks (James Walter "Buz") of Polkton, NC, and James Darrell Connell of Charlotte, NC. Other survivors include two sisters: Virginia Connell Rash of Concord, NC, and Dorothy Connell Cooke Lavoie of Edenton, NC. James had 8 grandchildren and 12 great-children. Many loving nieces and nephews have called him Uncle Jimmy, Uncle Jim, Uncle Shorty, or Uncle James Lloyd. His good natured and kind spirit allowed him to answer to any of these given names.

James was known for his devotion to his family and to his church. He had a great sense of humor, and he was known for his joke telling and as the “candy man” among church members, especially children who would seek him out for the soft peppermint candies he always carried. He served his Lord for many years as a deacon and Sunday school teacher, sharing his faith and God’s love. He was a dedicated choir member from the age of 16 to 85. His love of music led him to take guitar lessons in the last 10 years of his life. He also coached a girls’ softball league at Mint Hill Baptist Church during his middle years. Over the last 27 years, he and his wife Betty have been faithful members of Cornerstone Baptist Church on Albemarle Road in Charlotte, NC.

Mr. Connell retired at the age of 62 from Belk Store Services, having worked 30 years as a store planner in the Interior Planning Department. James Lloyd leaves a legacy of Christian faith instilled, not only in his family, but also in many friends who admired and called him a true example of a Godly man.

The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses, and other staff at Novant Medical Center at Matthews for their kind attention and care for James.

We will receive friends at McEwen Funeral Home, Mint Hill Chapel, 7428 Matthews-Mint Hill Road from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 21st. The celebration of his life will be held at Cornerstone Baptist Church, 8947 Albemarle Road, Charlotte, NC 28227 on Wednesday, March 22nd at 3:00 p.m. The burial will follow at Sunset Memory Gardens on Lawyers Road in Mint Hill, NC. Pastors Ted Kostich and Jerry Woolery will be officiating.

Condolences may be offered at www.mcewenminthillchapel.com

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cornerstone Baptist Church Missions Fund. www.cbccharlote.com