Ed Conner

Alvin Edward "Ed" Conner, 75, of Asheboro, graced the arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and was reunited with his loving wife on July 8, 2016, surrounded by his loving family. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 12, 2016 at Ridge Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jody Williams, Rev. Junior Dawkins and Mr. Chris Joyce officiating. Burial will follow at Randolph Memorial Park with military honors by the U.S. Marine Corps, and the Randolph County Honor Guard. Mr. Conner was born on October 19, 1940, to the late Benjamin E. Conner and Jewel Nadine Fulmer Conner in Conway, Arkansas. He served in the United States Marine Corp from 1959-1969 during the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Vietnam War during which time he earned several merits and ribbons including a Purple Heart. During his years of service, he completed many other outstanding accomplishments such as serving as a Drill Sergeant in Parris Island, South Carolina, but felt his greatest achievement during his Marine Corp Career was graduating from the Ranger Course in Fort Benning, Georgia. Although he felt he had achieved great things in the Marine Corp, ultimately his greatest achievement in life was when he married the love of his life, Earlene Robbins. After being Honorable Discharged from the Marines, they decided to make Asheboro their home. He started his plumbing career with Asheboro Plumbing & Heating and later started his own business, Conner Plumbing. He retired in 2004 in order to spend more time with his family. He felt the Lords calling to preach on January 16, 1983. Since that time he dedicated his life to Ministering the Gospel wherever he could. On May 15, 2011 he was blessed with the opportunity to become an Ordained Minister. Several of his favorite ministries included, preaching at The Randleman Commons, helping the Worthville Baptist Church Food Bank, leading a bible study group with the Sew Busy Ladies and serving as the State Chaplain of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. In addition to his ministries, he was actively involved and enjoyed spending time with his many friends in the American Legion, The State Chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, the Greensboro Veterans Center. After the passing of his wife, he continued with her ministry by becoming a board member of the Sew Busy Ladies. Ed was always giving selflessly. He enjoyed spending time with his family, and truly loved going out to eat and fellowshipping with his friends. He leaves behind a legacy of Love, Kindness, Devotion and Generosity. He taught and influenced his children how to always put others first and love with all their heart and was known by many as a "Gentle Giant". Mr. Conner was preceded in death by his loving wife of 50 years, Earlene Robbins Conner; Sister, Peggy McCracken Shook Shafer; Brothers, Paul F. Conner, and Carlton E. Conner. He is survived by his children, Andy Conner and wife Lori of Durham, NC; Traci Williams and husband Jody and Don Cole and wife Cheri; all of Asheboro; His grandchildren Cody, Levi, Noah, and Ben; Great-Grandchildren Emmie, Logan and Katelynn; Brother, James C. Conner; Sisters, Marna S. Conner, and Sandra C. Pisano and husband Carl; Nephews, Kevin C. Pisano, and Benjamin Conner-Williams. The family will receive friends from 7:00 until 9:00 p.m. on Monday, July 11, 2016 at Ridge Funeral Home and other times at the home of his daughter, 115 Sunrise Ave., Asheboro, NC 27203.