Mr. Robert Earl Conner Sr.

April 7, 1949 - June 30, 2016

On Thursday, June 30, 2016 at H.C. Atkinson Hospital, God called Robert Earl Conner Sr. to his eternal home. “fella” as he was affectionately known, was born to George and Annie Mae conner of Clarke County. Robert confessed to Christ at an early age and united with Bethel United Methodist Church where he continued his membership until his death. He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Annie Mae Conner; four brothers: George “Jack”, Calvin, Percy and Bennie James Conner; two sisters: Maggie Conner and Elizabeth “Honey” McCloud and his father & mother-in-law, Miller and Wilma Fikes. Robert graduated from Shirley Owens High School Class of 1967. A year later in 1968, Robert joined the Unites States Navy and for his honest and faithful service, he was awarded en honorable discharge on May 21, 1974. On July 5, 1970, Robert married another only his classmate and friend but the love of his life, Dessie Mae Fikes and to this union, five beautiful children were born. He retired from Masonite Inc. of Laurel, MS in 1989. He was known as the community handy man. He would always say, “I am a jack of all trades and a master of none”. He leaves to cherish his fund and loving memories: his wife, Dessie Mae of 45 years; one son, Robert Earl Conner Jr. (Gala Ruffin); four daughters, Ingrid Natasha (Marcus) Smith of Hattiesburg, MS; Katrina Latanya Conner of Ellisville, MS; Shalita Germaine (Casanoble) Harris Jr. of Hattiesburg, MS; Iris Lynn Conner of Pachuta, MS; four grandchildren, Inglish Smith, Ryan Conner, India Smith and Kellie Conner; 1 great-grandson, Malakye Smith; three sisters: Minister Carrie Sterling, Mary Mitchell and Alice (Jerry) Jones; two brothers: J.C.Conner and Ed Willie (Emily) Conner and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.