HARRY C. CONNER JR., 80 years of age and a 25-year resident of Green Valley, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, June 30, 2009.

He was the son of Harry C. Conner Sr. and Flora (Atchley) Conner. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother “Bud” Conner; and sister Evelyn Jessee.

Harry was raised in east Tennessee, where he met and married Patricia Rice, who preceded him in death in January of 2000. He graduated from East Tennessee State with a degree in music and later, after serving 20 years with the U.S. Air Force, obtained his Masters in Education. He then worked for Thomas Nelson Community College in the Continuing Education Department for 11 years, where he helped and encouraged many in their own educational endeavors.

Harry and Pat resided in Virginia for 20 years until 1984, at which time they retired and moved to Green Valley. Once retired, he continued to enjoy the passions of his life: motorcycles, flying gliders, ultralights, and just recently, his new light sport aircraft.

In 1995, he received the 100,000 Mile Award from BMW, after many scenic miles on his motorcycle. Harry was an ardent supporter of those in the Armed Services, as well as other causes dear to his heart.

He is survived by son Chris Conner of Richmond, Va., his wife Luda and daughter Sasha; another son David Conner of Caribou, Maine and his partner James Smith; and his daughter Tamie Capps, of Newport News, Va., her husband Chris Capps and their children Lindsay, Sidney and Ian. He also leaves behind a very special friend, Araguacy Franca, of Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil.

To all that knew him he was a kind and gentle man, with a tender heart. He will be sadly missed. Held dearly in their hearts, will be the image of Harry sitting outside in his chair “communing with nature” - viewing the Santa Rita Mountains and enjoying his pipe.

Memorial services will be held at the Valley Presbyterian Church at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 9, 2009.