Billie L. Connor

Billie L. Connor, age 86, of Marion, passed away on Sunday, December 18, 2016 at his residence.  The son of the late John and Lathie White Connor, he was born in McDowell County, North Carolina on April 19, 1930. 

A highly decorated veteran of the United States Army and Air Force, receiving the Purple Heart, Silver Star and many other medals, Billie served in both the Korean and Vietnam War.  Following retirement as Master Sergeant with the United States Air Force, Billie joined the ATF in Ohio and later worked for the McDowell County Sheriff’s Department and the Marion Police Department. Billie, during his service, was an adult raised the sublime degree of Master Mason at Aomori Lodge #10 in Misawa, Japan which was under the jurisdiction of the Grand Mason Lodge of Japan.  

Known to be a kind hearted man, Billie enjoyed helping others who were less fortunate.  He was a member of Emmanuel Free Will Baptist Church in Nebo.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Errol Connor; and a number of brothers and sisters.

He is survived by one son, Duane Connor; two daughters, Cynthia Purcell and Shelly Webb; one brother, Dean Connor; six grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; a number of nieces and nephews; and many friends. 

A celebration of Billie’s life will be held on Thursday, December 22, 2016 at 12:00 p.m. at Emmanuel Free Will Baptist Church with Revs. Donald Justice and Bill Stevens officiating.  Military honors will be provided by the United States Air Force.  The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., prior to the service, at the church. 

Interment will be held at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia at a later date. 

In lieu flowers, those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Connor’s memory are asked to consider, Emmanuel Free Will Baptist Church, P.O. Box 582, Nebo, North Carolina 28761 and/or CarePartners Hospice & Palliative Care-McDowell, 68 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville, North Carolina 28803, (www.carepartnersfoundation.org).

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff at Hospice of McDowell and to caregivers, Ronnie, Debbie and Rodney Burgin; and Howard Edwards for the loving and compassionate care they provided to Billie and his family during this this time.