John Conner Obituary

It is with heavy hearts and deep admiration that we share the passing of our father John F. Conner of Navarre Beach Florida, formerly of Birmingham Alabama.

On June 12, 2025, he passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family.

Although he has left us here on earth, his spirit and loving memory will live on with every sunrise and sunset over the gulf and in the many swaying palms he helped plant in Navarre Beach.

John was born in Savannah, Georgia on July 15,1938. He grew up in Jacksonville, Florida where he met his beloved wife of 65 years, Sandra Nelson Conner (Sandy). They were married at the young ages of 17 and 18 years old and remained married for 65 years before her passing in 1982. Now in heaven, they are together again.

After losing his father at an incredibly young age John worked hard to overcome life's many challenges. He moved his family to Birmingham, Alabama in 1972 where he became a highly successful business owner. John and Sandy first set foot on the white sands of Navarre Beach in the 70's. They were captivated by its charm and tranquility. In 2005, they made Navarre Beach their permanent home.

After hurricanes Opal and Ivan John worked tirelessly to help restore the beauty of Navarre Beach and was one of the founding members of the Beach Beautification Committee (BBC). He was a familiar face waving at everyone while planting flowers, pulling weeds, spreading pine straw, and picking up trash at the entrance of Navarre Beach and along the causeway. He never met a stranger. He and other volunteers continued their efforts cleaning up and rebuilding after the hurricanes and decided to also improve and revitalize the beaches, causeway and more. Navarre Beach thrived.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, John was devoted to his family and his faith. He was a loyal friend and pillar of his community. His commitment to charitable causes and community upliftment reflected his selfless nature. John supported many causes dear to his heart, The Salvation Army Bell Ringer, The American Red Cross, The Navarre Beach Beautification Committee, The Florida Sheriff's Boys Home Ranch, and St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

John was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Sandra N. Conner, his parents Elizabeth Walker and John F. Conner Sr., sisters Joan Dobson, Laura Alicia Davis, and his twin Janice Bass.

He is survived by his children John Conner III, Lori Conner Kadzoilka (Jim), Marilyn Conner James (Greg), 7 grandchildren: Natalie LeSueur, Brandi Carboni, Sean Carroll, Tiffany Armstrong, Chris Conner, Christian Conner James, Mason James, 8 great grandchildren.

Special thanks to Peoples Hospice/Home Health Care for their extraordinary help, genuine care and compassion they gave our dad and all of us. Thank you, Allison, Lori, Mary Sue and Chaplin David. Also, to our wonderful loving caregivers Aarra, David, Jeff and Joy. Each of you! were such a blessing to dad and all of us. We love you and dad loved you too.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday August 23, 2025, at Lewis Funeral Home Navarre Chapel, 7794 Navarre Parkway Navarre, FL 32566, with visitation from 10:00-11:00am and service at 11:00am. Please join us for a Celebration of Life in honor of John F. Conner immediately following the service. Place TBA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Navarre Beach Beautification Committee (BBC) in honor of John and Sandy Conner at:

http://navarrebeach.org/donate

Please scroll down and click on the SECOND YELLOW DONATE BOX for Beach Beautification Committee and include for "BBC in memory of John & Sandy Conner". or make check payable to:

NBLRA BBC

For: In memory of John & Sandy Conner

Mail to: NBLRA

P.O. Box 5003

Navarre, FL 32566

Thank you.

John 16:22

So, with you; now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. (NIV)

John Frederick Conner Jr