Randall Conner

Randall Allen Conner, 66, of Hilliard passed away peacefully May 12, 2015 surrounded by his family at the Community Hospice of Northeast Florida Acosta-Rua Center after a long and courageous battle with cancer.  Randall was born January 19, 1949 in Jacksonville, FL to Lacy Conner and Eula Mae Crews Conner.  They moved to St. George where he grew up and everyone knew him by his nickname, “Cotton”.  He was one of 12 graduates of the St. George School in 1967.  He then married the love of his life, Vivian, on June 30, 1967 and they were married for 47 years.  Randall retired from Florida Rock Industries after 21 years and was more recently the Caretaker of the Bourdeau Bros. Farm in Callahan.  He loved going to lunch every day and meeting up with his close-knit group of friends at The Pig BBQ in Callahan.  Randall also loved Bluegrass music and could be found sitting on his front porch relaxing and listening to it on any given day.  He was an avid hunter and was one of the founding members of the Bay Hunting Club in Hilliard.  He also loved to take his grandchildren fishing down at the pond and riding around on his “buggy”.  He loved being surrounded by his grandchildren, who were the light of his life.  Nobody messed with “Papa’s Babies”.
He is survived by his wife:  Vivian; 3-Children:  Dwayne (Michelle) Conner, Danny (Tracey) Conner, both of Hilliard, FL and Melinda (Timmy) West of Watertown, TN; Grandchildren:  Jamie Simmons, Allen (Makenna) Kaleel, Trenton West, Caitlin West, Tiffany Conner, Ethan Conner, Anthony Conner and Chase Conner; Great Granddaughter:  Priya Elaine Kaleel and another great grandchild on the way; his siblings:  Rev. James (Billie Sue) Conner, Evelyn (Kelly) Crawford, Dobie (Diane) Conner, Warnie Stokes, Michelle (Robb) Whitley, and Teresa (Rick) Register; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.  Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister:  Earlene Stokes and brother:  Kenny Conner.
The family will receive friends Friday, May 15 at Shepard Funeral Home in Folkston, GA from 6-8 PM.  A graveside services will be held Saturday, May 16 at 11:00 AM at Pigeon Creek Cemetery in Hilliard, FL with Rev. James Conner officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida Acosta-Rua Center in Jacksonville, Florida in Randall’s name.
Condolences may be expressed by signing the guest registry at www.shepardfh.com.  Arrangements are under the direction of Shepard Funeral Home in Folkston, GA.