Royal "Eddie" McConnell

Jan. 21,1945- Nov. 3, 2024

Eddie was born in the Green Spring area of Washington County, to parents Harold and Pauline, but moved at an early age to the Lodi area where he attended Liberty Hall School. Immediately following graduation, he joined the army to serve his country. Completion of that time brought him back to the Abingdon area where he attended Washington County Technical School and worked at Johnson’s Ham House, Columbus McKinnon, Chilhowie Farm Service and retired from managing Washington Farmer’s Cooperative for 30+ years (where he frequently said that he had the most wonderful group of employees that he could have ever hoped for).

Eddie knew the value of hard work, having been raised on a farm along with sister Patty McCall (David), brother Wayne (Jeannie), and brother Tom (Chris).

Eddie married Susie Minnick is August of 1968. Although they had no children, he loved dearly; nephews Alan & Jason McCall – whose parents were brave enough to entrust their young care to Uncle Eddie & Aunt Susie. The boys had no appreciation for their culinary skills and when questioned what they would like to eat – they requested “potted meat”?!?!

Next in line was his favorite-and when you realize this is the only niece in the family, you will understand it, and her mother was also brave enough that she would pack Beth’s suitcase, bring her to Uncle Eddie on Friday afternoon to spend the weekend with Uncle Eddie & Aunt Susie. She often, on beach trips could not possibly understand Eddie’s need for a siesta – however; now at age 44, she’s kinda getting it! Eddie loved following the lives of nephews Don Minnick, Abe & Brad McConnell as well as the great nieces and nephews, whom he was just as interested. He always felt he had excellent advice for them concerning their employment and retirement!!

Eddie was a “goer”, he prided himself in telling that he had visited all fifty states. The last of any “serious” travel he did was a trans-Atlantic cruise intended to reach the Holy Lands; however, political unrest prevented reaching the goal, but he loved to speak of that trip.

Eddie was a member of Greendale Chapel, where he helped out in various capacities. His friendships among that congregation were of a great value to him!

The family will receive friends on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at Greendale Chapel from 2:00 P.M. until 5:00 P.M. The Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, November 10, 2024 at 2:00 P.M. at Greendale Chapel with Rev. Jerry A. Eggers officiating. The committal will follow at Forest Hills Memory Gardens with Rev. Andy Maynard officiating.

The family suggests expressions of sympathy be in the form of contributions to Greendale Chapel, PO Box 1314 Abingdon, Virginia 24212, or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 1893 Memphis, Tennessee 38101, or Samaritan’s Purse, PO Box 3000 Boone, North Carolina 28607.

Pallbearers will be; Alan McCall, Jason McCall, Abe McConnell, Brad McConnell, Don Minnick, Dan Pettingill, Dalton Minnick and Kagan McCall.

Honorary Pallbearers; Men of Greendale Chapel, Former Employees of Washington Farmer’s Cooperative, along with Brayden Rawson, Mike Anderson, Ben Abel, Jeff Keene and Preston Brown.

Frost Funeral Home and Cremation Services is honored to serve the family of Mr. Royal Eddie McConnell.