P.C. Conner

P.C. Conner, 93, of Elk Creek, Va., died peacefully November 2, 2008. He was the son of Posey J. and Mae Moran Conner of Patrick County, who predeceased him along with two brothers. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Pauline Cornett Conner; his son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Nancy Conner, of Christiansburg, Va.; a brother, M. Calvin Conner and wife, Lucy, of Villa Hills, Ky.; a sister, Lillian C. Turner, of Woolwine, Va.; several nieces and one nephew also survive. P.C. was a graduate of North Carolina State College with a degree in forestry. His career was varied and informative. When wartime United States needed natural rubber, Japan having conquered all in the Orient, he served five years in Firestone's Plantation in Liberia, West Africa, as Division Superintendent to increase the supply. Later he worked three years in southern Mexico for the U.S. Foreign Operations Administration Rubber Plant Investigations. Returning to his beloved farm and Elk Creek Valley, he was principal and seventh grade teacher at Elk Creek Elementary School for 16 years, which was most fulfilling. The remainder of his educational career was in administration until retirement in 1980. P.C. was actively involved in community and county activities and Lebanon United Methodist Church where he served in many leadership capacities and faithfully attended. He was a man of knowledge and integrity who did not seek publicity; he just served quietly. As a former student said at church on his 90th birthday, "You can bet on any words that come out of his mouth are genuine and sincereno frills, no nonsense, no exaggeration." Funeral service will be conducted 2 p.m. Wednesday, November 5, 2008, in Lebanon United Methodist Church, Elk Creek, Va. Interment will be in Lebanon Cemetery. The Rev. Pedro Salazar and the Rev. Bill Shupe will officiate. The family will receive friends at the church one hour preceding the service. There will not be a visitation at the funeral home Tuesday night. In lieu of flowers, the family sincerely suggests memorials be made to Elk Creek Rescue Squad, P. O. Box 130, Elk Creek, Va. 24326 or Elk Creek Volunteer Fire Department, P. O. Box 36, Elk Creek, Va. 24326 or Christians' Children's Fund, 2821 Emerywood Parkway, Richmond, Va. 23294-3726 or the charity of the donor's choice. Arrangements by Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home, Independence, Va.