Elmer Farthing Connell

Mr. Connell was born on April 11, 1918, in Pittsboro, N.C., the son of Robert and Orrie Sentelle Connell. Elmer served his country in WWII with the Army Air Force, being stationed in China. He was a member of the 74th Fighter squadron and flew the “Hump” to join the Flying Tigers as a P-51 crew chief. More than 400 U.S. aircraft were lost flying the “Hump”. He was preceded in death by his wife, Etta “Goodie” Farrell Connell. Elmer was a resident of Raleigh for over 65 years. Prior to his retirement he was a building contractor and carpenter and for a period of time worked in business with his twin brother, Elzie and two of his older brothers, Ralph and Graham Connell, now deceased. He helped to build homes throughout Wake County, especially in Raleigh and Cary. Elmer was known for his excellent work, taking great pride in doing a job well and maintaining a “can-do” attitude. He enjoyed working, as well as fishing and being outdoors.

Mr. Connell is survived by one son, Dan Connell and wife, Gail, of Morehead City; one daughter, Monya Thomas and husband, Larry, of Matthews; three grandchildren: granddaughter, Duffy Huffman and husband, Bryan, of New Bern; grandson, Brad Connell and wife, Robin, of Beaufort, N.C.; granddaughter, Jennifer Thomas, of Charlotte; three great-grandchildren: Noah Huffman and Faith Huffman of New Bern and Mary Ann Connell of Beaufort, N.C.. Elmer is also survived by two sisters, Edith Wasko of Pittsboro; and Celeste Bryan and husband, Allen, of Pittsboro; one sister-in-law, Elizabeth “Lib” Connell of Charlotte, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of Wake County in memory of Elmer F. Connell.

A graveside service will be held at 2pm on Saturday, April 28 at Raleigh Memorial Park. Arrangements by Mitchell Funeral Home.