Charles Avery Connell

Mr. Charles Avery Connell of 533 College Drive, died Tuesday, November 1, 2011 in Open Arms Retirement Center in Raeford at the age of 78. Mr. Connell was born in Union County on February 15, 1933 to the late Charlie and Amanda Conder Connell. He was preceded in death by his son, Charles David Connell. He was the original founder and owner of The Chatterbox in the late 1940"s. He attended UNC Chapel Hill where he lettered in football. He served in the US Army during the Korean War. For over 40 years, Mr. Connell was the owner and operator of Avery Connell Agency, Inc., an insurance and real estate firm. Mr. Connell was a member of Raeford United Methodist Church, the Bob Lewis Sunday School Class, and Raeford Kiwanis Club where he was Kiwanian Man of The Year in the early 1980s. Survivors include his wife, Norma H. Connell of Raeford NC; a son, Stephen Avery Connell and wife Robin of Raeford; a daughter, Cindy Connell Ross of Vass; a step-son, Steve Wilburn and wife Shelley of Raeford; a step-daughter, Carolyn Felix and husband Kevin of Poquoson, VA; two brothers, Dale Connell and wife Mazelle and Tom Connell and wife Doreen, all of Raeford; a sister, Beverly June Spera of Raeford; and nine grandchildren. The family will receive relatives and friends between the hours of 6:00 and 8:00 PM, Wednesday, November 2, 2011 at Raeford United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 308 N. Main Street, Raeford, NC. Graveside Services will be 11:00 AM, Thursday, November 3, 2011 at Raeford Cemetery with Reverend Adolph Smith and Reverend Michael Elliott officiating. Memorials may be made to Raeford United Methodist Church, 308 N. Main Street, Raeford, NC 28376.