Earl McConnell, 71, of Cleveland, TN, passed away Tuesday, January 15, 2013 in a local hospital.
Earl was owner and operator of Ed’s Processing for 50 years; he was also a well known farmer. He was a member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church and served in the Tennessee National Guard for 6 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Peyton and Nell Hicks McConnell; and sister, Colleen “Connie” Womac.
Survivors include his wife of 36 years, Betty Ivy McConnell of Cleveland; four children, Jennifer Clark-Leonard and husband John of Roswell, GA, Ivy McConnell, Peyton McConnell and wife Carissa and Melody McConnell all of Cleveland; five grandchildren, Kailey Clark, Colby McConnell, Whitney McConnell, Cayci McConnell and Brody Roberts; two special brothers, Bill McConnell of Cleveland and David McConnell and wife Gail of Ten Mile; three sisters; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, January 17, in the chapel of Fike Funeral Home with Minister Herbert Conley officiating. Music will be provided by David Ivy and Don Goode. Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens with Chris Trotter, Kevin Burgess, Larry White, Clay Burgess, Josh Ellis, Danny Kibble, Ricky Hudson and Josh Navarro serving as pallbearers. Gene Gates, Tommy Clayton and Jerry Trotter will serve as honorary pallbearers. The service will conclude with a white dove release ceremony.
His family will receive friends from 5-9 p.m. Wednesday, January 16, and from 10-11 a.m. on Thursday, January 17, at the Fike Funeral Home who has charge of the arrangements.
The family suggests that memorials may be made to the Shriners Hospital, 1900 Richmond Rd., Lexington, KY 40502.