Jeffery Lynn Conner

Maryville - It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Jeffery Lynn Conner at the age of 67.

Jeff passed away peacefully at Blount Memorial Hospital following a courageous 8-year battle with lung cancer. Ironically, it was a fall with head injury that took him home to Jesus.

He is survived by his beloved and devoted wife of over 48 years, Rebecca "Becky" Simpson Conner, his brother, Arthur Edward Conner, Langhorne, PA, his Best Buddy, Rick Courtney, Maryville, TN, his good friend and caretaker, Clif Goodgame, Maryville, TN, his precious fur-babies, Georgia, Riley and Maggie, over 50 nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, as well as numerous cousins and extended family members.

Preceded in death by parents, Authur Conner and Bessie M. Conner.

Jeff was born June 11, 1957, in Davenport, IA. He graduated from Central High School and earned ASE certification with General Motors, although he was a machinist by trade, working for Caterpillar, SKF, Jefferson Stone, and DENSO. Jeff never met a stranger, always extended a helping hand to anyone in need, would happily give the shirt off his back and never expected anything in return. He was a teddy bear who loved big and lived large. He loved to make people laugh, was an avid TN VOLS fan, enjoyed boating on the gorgeous TN lakes, as well as the Gulf of Mexico, visiting the Smoky Mountains and traveling to music venues. He also enjoyed woodworking and auto restoration. He was most proud of the many pieces of furniture built for his home and the restorations of a 1979 Bronco and a 1977 Monte Carlo SS. Jeff had a rare blood type and donated blood and plasma for over 40 years. Many cancer children received life-saving plasma donations. His greatest gift is the gift of site to two people who are blind, as well as skin for the healing of burn victims.

Jeff was a member of Zion Chapel Baptist Church, Louisville, TN. He possessed an amazing faith and thanked God every night for blessing him with another day, yet desperately praying for more time to spend with the wife he adored.

Special thanks to his medical team: Dr. Eric Schrock, Dr. Andy Waller and Dr. David Irizarry for their expertise, love and care shown to him during his extended illness.

The family will receive friends from 12 noon - 2 p.m. Saturday, April 12, 2025 at Smiths Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, TN. Memorial service to follow at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Jim Malone officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Zion Chapel Baptist Church, 3334 Zion Chapel Rd., Louisville, TN or the Blount County Animal Shelter, 233 Currie Ave., Maryville, TN. Condolences may be shared through Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com