James Franklin Conner Sr., 87, of Lexington, Virginia, born April 18, 1934, went to be with his Lord and Savior on December 1, 2021, with family and loved ones by his side.

He was met at the gates by Betty, Mike and Pearl.

Joe was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He loved to spend time with family, play his musical instruments and prepare family meals. Nothing was more important than his family and friends. Joe never met a stranger, he has been referred to as a "big teddy bear" and everyone who met him loved him and referred to him as granddad.

Joe was born the son of Rodney Conner and Pearl Johnson Conner.

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Camden Conner, and son, Stephen Michael "Mike" Conner.

Joe was a devoted christian of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.

Joe was a veteran of the United States Army, proudly wearing his many hats showing his service to his country.

He retired from the Virginia Department of Transportation as a heavy equipment operator. He continued to work for area contractors in the construction business. He loved to operate equipment of any kind and was most requested by contractors and clients to do jobs. Joe was a life member of the Lexington Fire Department.

Joe is survived by daughters, Debbie Conner-Armentrout and husband, Roger of Lexington and Bridgette Denise Johnston and husband, Dale of Simpsonville, S.C.; a son, James "Butch" Franklin Conner Jr. and wife, Carol of Lexington; daughter-in-law, Tammy Conner of Lexington; eight grandchildren, Brandon Conner of Pennsylvania, Lacey Conner of Lexington, Victoria and Conner Johnston of Lake in the Hills, Ill., Camden and Courtney Conner of Lexington, Caitlin Tolley of Lexington and Sarah Fox of Moneta; six great-grandchildren, Abbi Wines, Emma Conner, Iris Conner, Morgen Harris, Carleigh Fox and Chloe Sprouse; numerous nieces and nephews; a very special sister-in-law, Patsy Plogger of Lexington; special brothers-in-law, Frank Camden Jr. and Edward Camden; and special cousin, Wayne Conner, all of Lexington.

The family would like to express a special thanks to Stonewall Jackson Hospital, Kendal, Dr. Matthew Burton of Stonewall Jackson Hospital and Dr. Laura Lanier.

A graveside service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday, December 7 at Oak Grove Cemetery followed by a memorial service at 3 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church conducted by the Rev. Joe Cailles and nephew, Jeff Dudley.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made in loving memory to the Heart Foundation, Leukemia Society or Trinity United Methodist Church.

Arrangements are by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory.