Thomas Clark Connell, Sr.

Papa was born on 26 March 1933 in Newton, North Carolina.  He was the son of the late Jay Northern Connell, and Annie Rachel Connell.  He had one brother, the late Jimmy Northern Connell.

His wife was the late Peggy Clark Connell, known as “Granny,” who passed away in June of 2023. She went to prepare a place for Papa and now both are in the House of the Lord.  Granny and Papa had five children: four daughters - Jacquelin Connell Pennington, Su-Anne Connell Avant, Vanecia Watson and Belinda Baker and a son, Thomas Clark Connell, Jr.

He is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 15 great- grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.  He will be dearly missed by everyone.

Papa married Granny in September 1953 and as of the date Granny was called home to be with the Lord, she and Papa had been married almost 70 years.   Their long marriage is an everlasting testament to their faith in God and in each other.

In 1952, he went to work for Federal Paper.  He enlisted in the US Army in May 1953 and honorably served our country until his discharge in May 1955.  He then went back to work for Federal Paper until his retirement in 1994.  He also was on the EMS team at Federal Paper.

Papa was deeply devoted to Peggy, his faith, and his church.  He lived a goodly Christian life and did not just talk the Christian teachings; he walked and lived it every day.  Christ was an integral part of his life.  He was loved by all who knew him, and his actions exemplified the ideals of a man who followed Christ.  He did mission trips to spread the Word of God to those less fortunate souls in other countries.  He was a bright spot in the day for any person who happened to meet him.  If ever a man would and should dwell in the House of the Lord forever, Papa was that man.

The family will receive friends and family at Papa's church. Pine Valley Methodist Church in Wilmington, NC between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. on the 24th of January 2024. The funeral service will be conducted by the Rev. Dr. Tim Reaves at the church at 2:00 p.m. immediately following the visitation. 

A committal service will be held on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at Greenlawn Cemetery where Papa will be laid to eternal rest next to his beloved wife Granny.

The family gives thanks to the Church for their support, kindness, and prayers during this sad occasion.

Memorials in his name may be made to Pine Valley Methodist Church, 3788 Shipyard Blvd, Wilmington, NC.

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