John Michael Connally

John Michael Connally, devoted husband, father and friend, passed away on Wednesday, July 3, 2019 at the age of 84. Mike was born on February 15, 1935 in San Antonio, TX. He was preceded in death by his parents John Woodley and Genelle (Harrell) Connally, his brother B. Wayne Connally, and sister and brother-in-law Barbara & William Blankenship. He is survived by his wife Susan Beil Connally, his son and daughter-in-law Kevin and Wendy Connally, his daughter and son-in-law Karin and Joe Heiden, and many family members. After graduating from Harlandale High School in 1953, Mike attended San Antonio College and worked for Zeigler Glass until he was drafted into the Army in 1957. He served active duty until 1959 during which time he was appointed to the Atomic Energy Commission and in the Army Reserves until 1962. During his service he performed in several US Army Talent shows entertaining his fellow troops. After his service to this country, he resumed his college studies at Trinity University then Texas Christian University where he earned a Bachelors in Music Education in 1963. He spent his summers performing in regional musical theatre houses including Casa Mañana in Ft. Worth and Houston Music Theatre where he met his wife Susan in 1967. Mike and Susan, after performing together in "Sweet Charity", "Unsinkable Molly Brown", "The Music Man" and "South Pacific" with Tommy Tune, moved to New York to pursue their performing careers. Mike sang under the direction of such greats as Leonard Bernstein, Carlo Maria Giulini and Robert Shaw, premiering works by John Rutter and the opera "Gentleman in Waiting". He performed with the NY Philharmonic for Robert Kennedy's funeral at St. Patrick's Cathedral, for Martin Luther King's Memorial and in various historical sites such as Towne Hall and Carnegie Hall. After the birth of their first child, Kevin, the family moved to Rochester, NY where Mr. Connally taught at Monroe High School, started his graduate studies at Eastman School of Music and directed the all-city choir. In 1970, Mike and his family moved to Denton, TX for Mike to study conducting at the University of North TX. He taught choir in many institutions in Texas including Lamesa HS, Highlands HS, Randolph AFB HS, Churchill HS and St. Mary's University in San Antonio. Mike's faith was a driving force in his career as well, serving as choir member of the Marble Collegiate Church (NYC) and Brick Presbyterian Church (Rochester); Choir Director for Alamo Heights Presbyterian; performing in the First Presbyterian Church Choir where he served as Deacon for many years; and as a Cantor for Temple Beth El. While at First Presbyterian, Mike created a summer musical series called the Off-Broadway Players, where he enlisted the talents of fellow parishioners to produce full scale musicals including "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown", "The Sound of Music" and "Fiddler on the Roof". He also performed locally with the San Antonio Mastersingers and directed the San Antonio Youth Chorale. In 1976, Mike and Susan opened Connally's Dance Workshop, Inc. where he served as part-owner and office manager. He and his wife have touched thousands of lives through their love of music and dance. In 1982, he stepped away from his music career to pursue his love of photography, opening up his own studio, Mike Connally Photographer, serving as an officer of the Professional Photographers of San Antonio. He photographed weddings, conventions, commercial work, local dance recitals and dance company performances including those for San Antonio Metropolitan Ballet and Regional Dance America/SW Festivals. In his "spare time", Mike enjoyed being a member of the South Texas Triumph Association, and for a time, served as President of the organization. Growing up working in the Connally Brothers garage, he learned at a young age how to appreciate working on cars. He successfully rebuilt a 1973 Triumph TR6 and won accolades in local tournaments. Mr. Connally had a unique sense of humor, never met a stranger, was an extremely passionate man, was loved by and will be missed by many – now he is singing with the angels. Memorial services will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 404 N. Alamo Street, San Antonio, TX on Friday, July 19, 2019, at 12:00 PM. The Rev. Dr. Thomas C. Gibbs will officiate. Interment with Military Honors will be held at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, at 1:45 PM. Pallbearers will be Russell Schram, Jason Connally, Arthur Seago, Anthony Parker, Mike Fosbenner, David Gardner, and Brian Teeters. Reception to follow at La Madeleine Alamo Heights, 4820 Broadway, from 2:30-5:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital at http://giftfunds.stjude.org/mikeconnallymemorial or the charity of your choice.