Robert I. “Rick” Connell Jr., 68, passed away on Monday January 24, 2022.
He was born in Atlanta, Georgia, son of the late Robert I. Connell Sr. and Doris Lou Craig Connell.

  Rick was an active lifetime member of First United Methodist Church in Mount Holly where he was known for his wonderful children’s sermons. He was Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop #59 for many years. He was the 2008 Mount Holly Man of the Year. In 2016 the City of Mount Holly presented him with the Proclamation Honoring His Lifetime Scouting Achievement where they gave him the key to the city.   

 He is survived by his wife of 39 years Elizabeth “Missy” Connell, three children Robert W. Connell and wife Jessica of Mount Holly, Leigh Anne Connell Timmerman and husband Jackson of Dothan, Alabama and Craig C. Connell of Mount Holly. Grandchildren Sadie and Charlotte “Charlie” Connell, Jacob, Doris and Lily Timmerman, a brother James L. Connell and wife Teresa of Mount Holly two sisters Linda C. Frazer and husband Hugh  Sr. of Burgaw and Julia C. Paul of Lumberton.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church Children's Ministry, 140 North Main Street Mount Holly NC 28120.

A service to celebrate the life of Mr. Connell will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday February 5, 2022 at First United Methodist Church in Mount Holly with the Rev. Jerianne Pyles, Rev. Mike Carr and Rev. Carol Carkin officiating.  Burial will be at Hillcrest Gardens Cemetery in Mount Holly. The family will receive friends from 11a.m. to 1p.m. prior to the service at the church fellowship hall.
 

Painter Funeral and Cremation is serving the Connell family.

 www.painterfuneral.com