Joseph L. Connelly Jr.

Joseph L. Connelly, Jr., 77, went home to be with the Lord on September 13, 2014 after a long illness. He is survived by his devoted and beloved wife of 46 years, Nelmays Priester Connelly and cherished daughter, Sherie Connelly Willard; 2 dear sisters, Virginia C. Masters and Annie Ruth C. May, all of Beaufort; several nieces and nephews; and faithful friend, his dog "Snowbokey". Born and raised in Beaufort SC, Joe was born October 1, 1936, the youngest child of the late Joe Lucas Connelly, Sr. and Willie Mae Crosby Connelly. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by two brothers, Floyd C. Connelly and Richard E. Connelly. Joe graduated from Beaufort High School (Tidal Wave Class of 1956). After briefly serving in the National Guard, he worked as an insurance agent. He was an ordained deacon and longtime member of Port Royal Baptist Church, serving as Sunday school and training union teacher in earlier years. With a tender heart and quiet soul, he loved and cared for many animals over the years. When able, he enjoyed spending time in his yard admiring the many flowers and fruit trees he and his daughter planted. Watching sports, especially baseball, was a constant. But it was his strong, unwaivering faith in the Lord through a lifetime of illness that made him the husband and father so lovingly remembered. Visitation will be held at Anderson Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 17, 2014 between 5:00 - 7:00 pm. Funeral services are at 11 AM Thursday at Port Royal Baptist Church with burial to follow in Evergreen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Beaufort Memorial Foundation, Port Royal Baptist Church, or a charity of one's choice.