Obituary for Emmitt E. McConnell Jr.
Emmitt Earl McConnell, JR, lovingly known to most as "Junior," died 06-12-2015.
Surrounded by those he loved and cherished most, he departed this world from his home- place of 68 years, the McConnell Farm, in peace, love, and tranquility.
Mr. McConnell, born in Harrison County, a baby boomer, was born 4-11-1947. Preceding him in death were his beloved parents, Emmitt Earl McConnell and Betty Jean Reed McConnell; both of Mount Olivet. Junior was a farmer and an accomplished tool and die machinist. He held various leadership positions, including industrial consultation, in manufacturing facilities around the Central KY area. His latest position held was as tool and die instructor for the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, before retiring to tend his farms. He attended Deming High School and Eastern Kentucky University. He also served in the United States Army, and was awarded a Purple Heart for his bravery and heroism in Vietnam. Mr. McConnell had many valued friendships that were initiated during his time in combat, and tended those friendships for many years after their service.
Junior was known as a musician, and was member of various musical groups throughout his years. Playing by ear, he was a talented guitarist, pianist, and vocalist, and some of his happiest times were making music. In addition to music, he was also an avid student of the Bible, and the fellowship of Christ gave him great pleasure. He will be remembered for his contagious smile, baby blue eyes, cunning wit, honesty (sometimes comically brutal), integrity, and overall positive and happy demeanor. He was a beloved man and will be sorely missed by his family and friends.
He leaves behind the love of his life, Sandra Lynn Dryden McConnell, with whom he shared nearly 46 years of marriage, and a lifetime of memories. Junior also had three children, residing in Robertson County, who were the "lights of [his] life." James Michael McConnell and his wife Linda Darlene Ingram McConnell; Shawn Brierly and his wife Susan Howard Brierly; and Leann McConnell and her husband Sean Patrick Connelly, formerly of Brooklyn, New York. In addition to his children, he also leaves his beloved baby brother, Ronnie Lavell and his wife Lisa Carrie Gifford McConnell, his dear brother-in-law, Kevin D. Dryden, a niece, Ashley Renee McConnell and her significant other David Bocook, a nephew, Tyler Reed McConnell, a great- niece, Mallory Rayne Bocook, and a special first cousin, Lannis Marion McConnell, Jr.- all of Robertson County. Special friendships that were more akin to brotherhood were with Alton and his wife Bonnie Mitchell of Milford, Kentucky, cousin Philip Bradley of North Carolina, and Houston Wagoner, of Robertson County. Additionally, the bereaved include an honorary son and Brother in Christ, Roland "Chip" Denief, and his wife Rita Gollahue Denief, of Richmond, Kentucky. The pastoral care given by Brother Chip during the time of Junior's departure was one of the most special gifts ever received by the McConnell family, and will be cherished for the rest of their days.
Ask anyone what brought Junior the most pride, and the answer would be his grandchildren. Known to them as their cherished "Da," his four grandsons include: Owen Michael, Jonathan Levi, Joshua Kenton (McConnell), and Sean Patrick "Shooter" (Connelly). He was "Papaw" to two honorary grandsons, Dougie and Donnie Wayne Brierly, and three honorary granddaughters; Kaylee, Jordyn, and Allyson Brierly. Junior loved all of his family more than life itself, and his dedication to them will never be forgotten.
Junior's wishes were not for his time on Earth to be remembered, but to be celebrated. Therefore, no formal funeral services will be held. However, the family will hold an informal memorial service and reunion for the closest family and friends. Details, delivered via traditional media and Facebook, will be provided as the event draws nearer. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Saint Jude Children's Research Center in his name. His wife and children will always have a special place in their hearts for this man that showed them the true meaning of unconditional love. May he rest in Heavenly peace.
To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Emmitt McConnell, Jr., please visit our Tribute Store.
Surrounded by those he loved and cherished most, he departed this world from his home- place of 68 years, the McConnell Farm, in peace, love, and tranquility.
Mr. McConnell, born in Harrison County, a baby boomer, was born 4-11-1947. Preceding him in death were his beloved parents, Emmitt Earl McConnell and Betty Jean Reed McConnell; both of Mount Olivet. Junior was a farmer and an accomplished tool and die machinist. He held various leadership positions, including industrial consultation, in manufacturing facilities around the Central KY area. His latest position held was as tool and die instructor for the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, before retiring to tend his farms. He attended Deming High School and Eastern Kentucky University. He also served in the United States Army, and was awarded a Purple Heart for his bravery and heroism in Vietnam. Mr. McConnell had many valued friendships that were initiated during his time in combat, and tended those friendships for many years after their service.
Junior was known as a musician, and was member of various musical groups throughout his years. Playing by ear, he was a talented guitarist, pianist, and vocalist, and some of his happiest times were making music. In addition to music, he was also an avid student of the Bible, and the fellowship of Christ gave him great pleasure. He will be remembered for his contagious smile, baby blue eyes, cunning wit, honesty (sometimes comically brutal), integrity, and overall positive and happy demeanor. He was a beloved man and will be sorely missed by his family and friends.
He leaves behind the love of his life, Sandra Lynn Dryden McConnell, with whom he shared nearly 46 years of marriage, and a lifetime of memories. Junior also had three children, residing in Robertson County, who were the "lights of [his] life." James Michael McConnell and his wife Linda Darlene Ingram McConnell; Shawn Brierly and his wife Susan Howard Brierly; and Leann McConnell and her husband Sean Patrick Connelly, formerly of Brooklyn, New York. In addition to his children, he also leaves his beloved baby brother, Ronnie Lavell and his wife Lisa Carrie Gifford McConnell, his dear brother-in-law, Kevin D. Dryden, a niece, Ashley Renee McConnell and her significant other David Bocook, a nephew, Tyler Reed McConnell, a great- niece, Mallory Rayne Bocook, and a special first cousin, Lannis Marion McConnell, Jr.- all of Robertson County. Special friendships that were more akin to brotherhood were with Alton and his wife Bonnie Mitchell of Milford, Kentucky, cousin Philip Bradley of North Carolina, and Houston Wagoner, of Robertson County. Additionally, the bereaved include an honorary son and Brother in Christ, Roland "Chip" Denief, and his wife Rita Gollahue Denief, of Richmond, Kentucky. The pastoral care given by Brother Chip during the time of Junior's departure was one of the most special gifts ever received by the McConnell family, and will be cherished for the rest of their days.
Ask anyone what brought Junior the most pride, and the answer would be his grandchildren. Known to them as their cherished "Da," his four grandsons include: Owen Michael, Jonathan Levi, Joshua Kenton (McConnell), and Sean Patrick "Shooter" (Connelly). He was "Papaw" to two honorary grandsons, Dougie and Donnie Wayne Brierly, and three honorary granddaughters; Kaylee, Jordyn, and Allyson Brierly. Junior loved all of his family more than life itself, and his dedication to them will never be forgotten.
Junior's wishes were not for his time on Earth to be remembered, but to be celebrated. Therefore, no formal funeral services will be held. However, the family will hold an informal memorial service and reunion for the closest family and friends. Details, delivered via traditional media and Facebook, will be provided as the event draws nearer. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Saint Jude Children's Research Center in his name. His wife and children will always have a special place in their hearts for this man that showed them the true meaning of unconditional love. May he rest in Heavenly peace.
To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Emmitt McConnell, Jr., please visit our Tribute Store.