Troy Lee Conner

          A Celebration of Life graveside service for ­Troy Lee Conner, 72, of Lufkin, TX will be held  on his 73rd birthday, Saturday, March 20, 2021 at 12:25 p.m. at Ivy Cemetery in Huntington, TX with Bro. Simon Purvis officiating.

          Mr. Conner was born March 20, 1948 in Huntington, Texas, to Jodie Bug Conner and Rosa Lee (Cuculic) Conner, and died at 12:25 a.m. on Monday, February 22, 2021 in Lufkin.

          Mr. Conner started working at the age of 16 for Otha Jones grocery store in Huntington, Texas, and shortly thereafter for 9 years he worked for Brookshire Brothers as a grocery manager.  Later, Mr. Conner relocated to North Carolina where he continued his career in grocery retail.  He worked for Butch & Lisa Matthews, owners of The Piggly Wiggly Matthews Group of Bailey, NC.   After 26 years working for the Matthews, he retired in 2018.

          Mr. Conner was a member of Word of Life Church in Lufkin. His younger years were served as Sunday School Superintendent at Eastview United Pentecostal Church in Lufkin, and for many years as youth leader for Present Day Ministries in Sims, North Carolina. He served on the Board for Bailey, NC as Town Commissioner for 14 years. Together, he and his wife Susie, published 3-Christian books entitled: “Who Is God? Where Is God? and What Is He Doing Today?”, He Is: God Is, Jesus Is, the Holy Spirit Is”, and “He Is…Manifest: God Is, Jesus Is, the Holy Spirit Is!”. The books were a lifetime work in progress as they studied God’s Word.

         He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Susie Weeks Conner of Lufkin; son, Andrew Conner of Lufkin; daughter, Deidre Charmaine Conner of Lufkin; grandchildren, Devin Aaron Baize and wife Lindsay, Calliese Conner, Kyle Presley Baize, Weston Andrew Conner and wife Madison, Lexie Conner, and Kindal Marie Conner; great-grandchildren, Parker Conner, Emersyn Conner, Bodhi Aaron Baize, Saylor Conner, Nova Wilde Baize, and Tinley Marlana Conner; sisters, Ruby Jewel Lewis of Asheville, NC, and Mary Lynn Conner of Huntington; sisters-in-law, Lucy Ann Conner and Shirley Conner, both of Huntington; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Buford and Ima Jean Weeks of Diboll; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

          He was preceded in death by his parents, Jodie and Rosa Conner; brothers, Coy Henry Conner and Joe Venoy Conner; and brother-in-law, Darwin Lewis.

          In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Children’s Clinic, 205 Gene Samford Drive, Lufkin, TX 75904, or Texas Children’s Hospital Office of Philanthropy, Ste. 5214, Houston, TX 77230-0630.

          Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Shafer Funeral Home, Lufkin, TX directors.

Quotes from many friends and people who knew Mr. Conner:

“He was a giant of a man who came into our lives and brought us all closer to God with love and laughter. A very dear friend who put everyone first before himself because it was God’s way. Our lives were blessed because of his presence. He was a Christian man who brought you to Jesus without taking you to the altar. One of God’s greatest gatherers.” – Lisa Matthews (boss of 26 years at Piggly Wiggly)

“I unfortunately heard of Troy’s passing. I have been in prayer for you and your family. Troy meant a lot to me. I know it was a great Joy for him to be with you all back in Texas these past few years. If I had anything to say it would be that he was a larger than life personality that knew no strangers and loved the Lord and loved people. As for me, I am glad he thought I knew Spanish and hired me all those years ago because I found in him the grandfather I never had. He’s been a major influence on my walk with Jesus and the ministry. He always encouraged me to move forward. I cannot imagine how you are feeling. Praying that the Holy Spirit gives you and your family strength. If there is anything I can do all you have to do is let me know.” – Matthew Roman (friend and co-worker)

“I love him, he is the sweetest kindest man!” – Charri, RN (CHI Hospital)

“Woke up this morning to hear the news of one of my neighbors from back home had went to be with Jesus, Troy Conner. We lived on the same street a few houses down from each other he was an immediate neighbor to my grandma. He gave me my first job at the Bailey Piggly Wiggly during my high school and college years. He was a great Christian man who allowed me Sunday’s off so I could go to church. In addition, both he and my grandma Judy, served as town commissioners in Bailey for years. He had a great sense of humor as well. My thoughts and prayers are with Susie and his family.” – Patrick Snipes

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