Robert “Bob” Conner, Jr.

SUFFOLK — Robert “Bob” Conner, Jr., 78, of Suffolk, passed away on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

Born on February 29, 1948, in Lumberton, North Carolina, Bob was the son of the late James and Lucille Conner. He proudly served his country in the United States Army as a Specialist during the Vietnam War from 1965 to 1968 with the 25th Infantry Division. Assigned to Company C, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry, he served in Vietnam from 1965 to 1966, where he was stationed in Cu Chi and served as a tunnel rat. Though he didn’t often speak of his time in the war until his later years, it remained a quiet testament to his strength, sacrifice, and deep sense of duty.

Bob began his career as a machinist, but later felt the Lord calling him to work with young people. From 1980 to 1986, he served as an assistant pastor and youth director at Community Baptist Church in Oliver Springs, Tennessee. He truly loved working with young people, and while many remember him as being tough, they also knew it came from a place of care and a deep desire to see them grow and do well in life. In 1986, he returned to his work as a machinist at Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, VA, where he remained until his retirement in 2013. He was also a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Colonial Chapter 433.

But more than anything, Bob was a devoted husband, father, and family man. He was the steady, quiet strength behind his family—someone you could always count on, no matter what. He showed his love not just in words, but in the way he was always there, offering support, guidance, and a sense of security to those he loved.

Bob loved carpentry and was a master at it, using his hands to create meaningful pieces for his family—making a cradle that each of his grandchildren was rocked in, as well as rocking chairs and dinosaur bookends, he carefully made for his great-grandchildren—treasured pieces that will remain with them for a lifetime. He was a constant in his children’s lives and a steady, loving presence for his grandchildren, always there whenever he was needed.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Stephen Conner; and his sisters, Mary Francis Burton and Ites James Tatum.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 59 years, Ursula Conner; his daughters, Michelle Conner Cook and her husband Jawrell, and Suzanne Kellogg and her husband Dan; along with ten grandchildren and six great-grandchildren who will continue to carry his love, strength, and legacy with them always.

The family will be receiving friends on Saturday, April 25, 2026, between the hours of 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM at Mott-McKamey Funeral Home, 1017 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, TN 37830. A graveside service with full military honors will follow at 3:00 PM at Oak Ridge Memorial Park, 1501 Bethel Valley Road, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, with Pastor Garvan Walls officiating. He will be laid to rest alongside his son, Stephen Conner.