Ezra Lee McConnell Jr

Mr. Ezra Lee "E.L." McConnell, Jr., 87, of Cameron, North Carolina entered into rest on September 14, 2014. He was a native of Scott County, VA and was the son of the late Ezra Lee, Sr., and Norma Quillen McConnell. Mr. McConnell lived in Bristol, TN for 51 years before moving to North Carolina in 2007.

He graduated from Gate City High School in 1945 and subsequently served in the Navy. In 1954, he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Tennessee where he was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. He did graduate work through the University of Tennessee Extension in the industrial engineering and business fields. He retired as an executive of Unisys/Sperry after 32 years and actually locked the doors as the last employee at the Bristol facility. Mr. McConnell was elected to the Bristol, TN City Council and served two terms. He served on many boards and committees, including the following: Board of Directors of the Tennessee Municipal League, State of Tennessee Local Planning, Tri-City Airport Commission, Tennessee Electric System Board of Bristol, Tennessee/Virginia Sewer Oversight Committee of Bristol, Viking Hall Board of Control, Executive Board of the First TN Development District and Human Resource Agency, Liaison for Council to the Sullivan County Commission Meetings, Sullivan County Industrial Commission, National League of Cities, Disabled American Veterans, and was very involved in the Sullivan County Democratic Party.

E.L. enjoyed a good cigar and considered trading cars his hobby. After retirement he and his wife enjoyed traveling with Reverend Thrasher and Bristol Tours.

He was a member of Anderson Street United Methodist Church.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his two sisters, Dorothy Pendleton and Nina Quillen and brother Odell McConnell.

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Naomi Pierson McConnell; daughter Alicia Ann Krueger and husband SGM Randall L.; son, Dr. Ezra Lee McConnell III and wife Dr. Jane Morehead McConnell; three grandchildren, Mary Caitlyn McConnell, Kristen Ann McConnell, and Haley L. Krueger; Nieces and Nephews, Linda Williams, Ann Edwards, Peggy Kress, and Bill McConnell; special cousin, Bob McConnell; and his furry companion, Mattie the West Highland Terrier.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to First Health Hospice, all of his caregivers, and a special thanks to Letha Blackmon.

The family will receive friends, Saturday, from 4 pm - 7 pm, at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home in Kingsport. A graveside service will he held on Sunday beginning at 10 am at Holston View Cemetery, Weber City, VA with Reverend Barbara Doyle and Reverend John Thrasher officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Anderson Street United Methodist Church, 954 Anderson Street, Bristol, TN 37620.

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