Billy Connell

Billy Mac Connell, 66 years of age, of Salisbury, passed away Wednesday, October 1, 2014 at home with his loving family by his side.

He was born May 2, 1948 in Concord, NC to the late Rev. John Henry Connell, Sr. and the late Annie Bright (Yow) Connell. Mac was predeceased by his brothers Don Connell and Gene Connell.

He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, where he earned two purple hearts, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon, the Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon, the Combat Action Ribbon, Badge Rifle Marksman, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation, and an Honorable Discharge Button. He was an avid hunter, enjoyed the outdoors, and spending time with family and friends. He will always be remembered as a kind spirited, gentle hearted and loving husband, daddy and friend to all who were privileged to know him.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Friday, October 3, 2014 at Hartsell Funeral Home of Midland. The funeral service will be held on Saturday at 11:00 am at Philadelphia Baptist Church, 12568 Philadelphia Church Rd. in Stanfield, with a 30 minute state prior to the service, officiated by Rev. Eddie Connell and Rev. Dwight Mabry. Burial will follow at the Philadelphia Baptist Church Cemetery with military honors.

Survivors include his wife, Janet Burris Connell of the home, his son Dwain Connell and wife Angie of Chesterfield, VA; daughter Tanya Connell Crisco and husband Rodney of Albemarle, NC; step-daughter Crystal Lockamy and husband Chris of Apex, NC; as well as his grandchildren Emily, Katherine, and Sarah Connell, Conner and Kaitlyn Crisco, and Cora and James Lockamy; as well as his cat Ginger. He is also survived by his brother Junior Connell of Concord, NC, as well as several nieces and nephews.