Jerry Wayne McConnell

Mr. Jerry Wayne McConnell, 80, died at his home in Umatilla, Florida early Saturday morning with his wife Lovella at his side. They were married for 28 wonderful years.

Born and raised in Marion, Kentucky, he was the son of the late Clony B. McConnell and Augusta Evelyn (Paris) McConnell. He was also preceded in death by his only brother, James Aaron McConnell and his stepson, Daniel Ray Hamlet.

Mr. McConnell attended Marion High School and still attended the annual class reunion when possible. He was also a graduate of Murray State University and a charter member of Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity. Jerry was a very generous man and continued to support his home town of Marion, his schools and his fraternity. He was also a charter member of the Murray Bass Club and an avid fisherman. His life's dream was to own a home in Florida so he could fish year round.

Jerry fell in love with Murray, Kentucky when he moved there with his wife, Sandra Lucas McConnell so he could attend Murray State University. While in Murray they started their family of three girls. Years later, they returned to Murray and made it their permanent home and raised their children there.

He was best remembered as the "insurance man". He worked as an insurance salesman for 45 years and was President of McConnell Insurance Agency, Inc. until his retirement. When he and Lovella married in 1989, he recruited her to come to work with him in the business and she did. Lovella had three children and it made for some fun Christmas parties not to mention pizza parties. Jerry and Lovella sold McConnell Insurance to his nephew, John, when they retired to Florida.

In addition to his wife he is survived by his three daughters; Sharon (Alan) Worster, Terri McConnell, and Laura (Matt) Reck; his two stepchildren Laura (Steven) Watkins; and Charlie (Teresa) Hamlet; thirteen grandchildren: Aela Korte, Lucas Reck, Myles Worster, Audry Worster, Adam Worster, Zoe Watkins, Austin Hamlet, Katlyn Hamlet, Alex Hamlet, Kailey Hamlet, Jasmine Counce, Madison Counce, and Molly Counce; and one great-grandson, River Worster. His nephew John (Heather) McConnell; great-niece Coralynn and great nephew Lyndon as well as his sister in law Faye (Micheal) Brown.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 5, 2017 at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Hugh Barksdale and Rev. Brad Burns officiating. John James McConnell, nephew, will offer a testimonial to honor his Uncle Jerry. Donnie Hendricks will tickle the ivories with some of Jerry's favorite old hymns during visitation. Burial will follow in the Murray City Cemetery. Visitation will be held prior to the funeral service on Thursday, October 5, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Elm Grove Baptist Church Building Fund, 6483 State Route 94 East, Murray, Kentucky 42071.