Eddie Lee Conner, I

Eddie Lee Conner, I, 79, of Hilliard, Florida passed away November 6, 2026 in Jacksonville, Florida. He was born in Bunnell, Florida November 7, 1947 to the late Ellis Lee Conner and Lottie Bell Nelson Conner. After high school, Mr. Conner proudly served his country in the US Army. He served a tour in Vietnam in the 20th Engineer Brigade and then later with the Army National Guard. Eddie was never idle from an early age. He worked hard all of his life. He was a logger, heavy equipment operator, truck driver, an Assistant Tract Manager for Rayonier Timber Company, a chicken farmer, and in his later years, the owner/operator of Conner's A-Maize-Ing Acres. He was a former member and deacon at Buford Grove Baptist Church where he led the children's ministry. He was currently a member of New Life Baptist Church. He loved his classic Ford Mustang, but his favorite thing to drive was a John Deere tractor. He was always an early riser, and had a half a days work in before coming back to the house at 9am to eat a hardy breakfast that was always waiting on him. He took great pride in being a farmer, and having the corn maze gave him an opportunity to share to the public everything he loved about it. It didn’t matter if he was boiling peanuts, dipping fresh ears in melted butter, or just relaxing in the shade, Farmer Eddie talked to everyone from school children to first time visitors about everything agriculture. Dad and Papa were titles that he was so proud of. He loved the Lord, his family, farming and will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his faithful wife of 54 years: Betty Jean Johnson Conner; a daughter & son-in-law: Susan Amanda Conner McLendon & Luke McLendon; a son & daughter-in-law: Matthew John Conner & Becky Lynn Conner; a son: Eddie Lee Conner, II; Grandchildren: Hope, Kara, Cierra, Logan, Levi and Landree; great grandchildren: Alannah and Archer; 2-brothers: Richard Allen Conner and Jimmy Raymond Conner.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, November 12 at 10:00 at River Road Baptist Church, 21067 County Road 121, Hilliard, Florida. Pastors Benji Loyd and Mike Pruitte will officiate. Mr. Conner will be taken to his home 19620 County Road 121, Hilliard, Florida for Visitation from 5-9pm on Tuesday, November 10 and Noon to 9pm Wednesday November 11. Burial will be in Conner-Green Cemetery.

Condolences may be expressed by signing the guest registry at www.shepardrobersonfh.com. Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home, 526 Oakwood Street, Folkston, Georgia is honored to serve the Conner Family.