Obituary - Cecil C. Conner

Mr. Cecil C. Conner, age 86, passed away peacefully Saturday evening, November 30, 2024, at his home surrounded by his beloved wife and family. A native of Kinston and lifelong resident of Lenoir County, he was born August 7, 1938, the son of Rodolph and Lettie C. Conner.

A graduate of the former Grainger High School, Cecil loved the outdoors and found his vocation in land surveying and soil conversation. He retired from the United States Department of Agriculture where he worked with the Soil Conservation Service, spending much of his career on the watershed projects of Lenoir and Duplin counties.

Cecil loved music, particularly the soulful songs of his youth and Carolina Beach Music. He enjoyed dancing, especially when he heard the smooth rhythm of “Brenda” or the great beat of “Love Train”. While quiet by nature, he possessed a quick wit and created many good laughs with his phrases and replies; even in his last days he gifted his family with many smiles, great laughs, and enduring memories.

He is survived by his cherished wife of 58 years, Connie Chase Conner; son, Brian A. Conner and significant other, Eileen of Kinston; daughter, Tanya Conner Tyson and husband Jody of Snow Hill; granddaughters, Conner C. Harrison and husband Parker of Pink Hill, and Riley Anne Craft of Snow Hill; a sister, Vick Stocks of Chapel Hill; and special friends, Greg and Annette Williams of Kinston and Ken and Anne Craft of Walstonburg. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Braley and Morris.

Funeral Services will be held at the Mausoleum Chapel of Pinelawn Memorial Park 11 AM Tuesday, December 3rd. The family will greet friends and extended relatives immediately following the service.

Mr. Conner will lie-in-repose at Taylor-Tyson Funeral Service on Monday from 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are encouraged to the Free Will Baptist Children’s Home, PO Box 249, Middlesex, NC 27557.

It is with heartfelt appreciation that the family expresses their most sincere thanks to Dr. Gary Heck, Dr. David Baker, Gentiva Hospice and its wonderful staff, and caregivers Jose Fernandez, Rosa Jackson, Peggy Parker, and Judy Grant, all who contributed to making it possible for Mr. Conner to remain at home in his last days.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.taylor-tyson.com