Ted Conner Obituary

Ted Conner (Ira Thurston Conner) passed away at his home in North Carolina on October 13, 2015. He resided in Port Orange prior to moving to North Carolina in December 2014. He was born and raised in Meadows of Dan, Patrick County Virginia January 21, 1923. Loving and de-voted husband of Betty Crist Conner who preceded him in death in 2013. Father of three children Dianne Bradford, North Carolina, Judy Norton, Connecticut and Jeff Conner, Florida. He also leaves behind six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by parents Tom and Osie Conner, brother Jimmy Conner and sister Arleen Meeks. He is survived by sisters Elizabeth Hocket and Opal Webster. Ted was a renowned master guitarist and made his living playing in the Daytona area and all over the country. Also touring and playing in 14 countries around the world with the Grady Williamson Dance Troup performing USO shows. In his early years he played with dear friends Roy Clark and Jimmy Dean. He also spent many days and nights jamming with Tal Farlow and Charlie Byrd. Ted also taught music. The Allman Brothers were among his many students. Until he moved to North Carolina he still played regularly with dear friends Ron Gilotti and Don Nedobeck. When scouted and asked to perform on the Ed Sullivan show, he answered no so that he could stay in this area and raise his family. He taught at Daytona Beach Community College, Bethune Cookman College and many college workshops all over the United Stated. He wrote and published 8 guitar books currently being used around the world. He was a World War II Navy veteran. He was a true gentleman who will be greatly missed. A celebration of his life will be held Monday, October 19, 2015 at 2pm. Receiving friends from 12pm to 2pm at Shannon Maloney Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed at: www.shannonmaloneyfuneralhome.com.

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Published by Daytona Beach News-Journal on Oct. 16, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Ted Conner

12 Entries

chris egan

July 24, 2016

Ted was truly a great man and I am blessed to have met him. My mom Maxine Egan played bass guitar with Ted for many, many years. I wish I took guitar lessons from such a great man and gentleman.

Lauri Egan Mills

July 24, 2016

Our parents, Dick and Maxine Egan, knew and played with Ted for years. I have great memories and photos of them playing together. He was an amazing musician and person. Such a gentle person. He took off from work at the band shell to play at our mother's service on the guitar he made. So beautiful and touching. Amazing Grace never sound so good. My siblings and I are so sorry to hear of the loss of your parents so close together. We recently learned of this and ask that you excuse such tardiness in acknowledging these special people. They touched so many lives. His music plays on and continues to enrich lives and give enjoyment.

October 19, 2015

I was lucky enough to have been introduced to Ted by my former guitar instructor Matt, and I was fortunate enough to get a chance to study with him for about a year. Ted was an exceptional guitar player and an even more exceptional man. Although I didn't study guitar with Ted for that long he would still keep in touch with me over the years. Every now and then he would call just to say hello, see how I was doing, and ask what I was up to with my playing. I admired him as a musician and I admired him as a man, and I am very sorry to hear of his passing.
Phil Levy

October 19, 2015

we are very sorry to hear about the passing of your dad, our heart and thoughts goes out to the family. you're dad was and always will be a wonderful man and an inspiration to the music world and everyone he touched may he rest in peace and dance with his wife. love john & julie

Jim & Judy Cline

October 18, 2015

Sorry to here about the lost of your Day our hearts go out to you and your family

October 18, 2015

Sorry to hear about your father. Heavy hearts and prayers form Lisa and I. God Bless

Juan

October 16, 2015

I only knew this great man for a few months but it feels like years in a way. I am so grateful for the privilege of knowing him and for the gift of some guitar lessons that he was able to give in his last days, despite not feeling well. But that was Ted. His joy was so evident when he was teaching. I wish I could have known you longer, but Ted, I am happy that you are resting in peace with no more worries. My deepest sympathy, prayers for peace for his family.

Ed Fuqua

October 16, 2015

I met Ted through a former student and friend of his, Matt Whittington, when I was a very young musician performing in Daytona for a summer back in teh early 80s. Any time we weren't playing, we were down front of wherever Ted was playing just to soak it all in. He was a very genuine person and that "true to self" feeling that he embodied came out in his playing. I'm glad I knew him and I am sorry that he is gone.

Ted Petrucciani

October 16, 2015

Thank you for guiding me in my very early years. You inspired so many of us back n those days. I appreciate, even more, that you and Ron Gilotti's Trio played at my Retirement Party. You were a wonderful man and a gracious teacher. Rest In Peace, Ted.

Lou Martino

October 16, 2015

I started out as a fan of Ted's many years ago. There were many times when I would sit and listen to him playing at Ocean Walk. I then became a long time student. That relationship quickly turned into a great friendship. Eventually I think Ted and I spent more time talking and laughing than playing guitar. We talked about everything from where he was playing in town, how my grandchildren were doing, and one of his and Betty's favorite shows, Lawrence Welk. I could always count on a call from Ted come Saturday night reminding me that it was on. Then every Monday, we would sit around and talk about the show. Somewhere within the evening we might sneak in a lesson. Not only was Ted a master guitarist and teacher, he was one of the greatest individuals/friends I have ever had the pleasure to know. He will be missed dearly by many.
RIP my dear friend.

Robert Thomas

October 16, 2015

He was a wonderfully nice man who made his music students want to learn, he will be greatly missed.

Matthew Whittington

October 16, 2015

Ted was my mentor and I consider him to be one of the finest people I have ever had the privilege to know. My deepest condolences go out to all his family. I miss him and I will always look to his life as an example to strive to emulate.

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