Charlie Michael Conner

Mr. Charlie Michael "Mike" Conner quietly departed this life on Friday, August 1, 2025, at the Atrium Cabarrus Health Hospital- Concord, NC surrounded by his loving family. "Mike" was born on July 10, 1950 to the late Cecelia Simolton Conner and Talmadge Otha Conner, Sr. in Davidson, NC. "Mike" was born the first son of 5 children.

"Mike" was proceeded in death by his loving wife of over 20 years Katherine Leach Massey Conner; his oldest grandson; NaDarian Shaquille "Shaq" Conner, Sr., sister Jacqueline Simolton Grier; brother Rodney Howard; a special Aunt Castella Conner Torrence, and a nephew, Sammie David Ross, Jr.

"Mike" was educated in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School system, and after desegregation within the school system in 1966, "Mike" transitioned with others from the Torrence- Lytle High School, graduating from the North Mecklenburg Sr. High School in Huntersville, NC in the Class of 1968. After completing his High School career as a prolific track runner, basketball player, and football player, the 1968 North Mecklenburg Viking yearbook stated that "Conner carried 32 times for 218 yards and also scored 30 points" in that football season; he graduated from Lees-McRae College in Banner-Elk, NC and entered as a Junior at Winson- Salem State University, in Winston-Salem, NC, where he continued on the gridiron, and was inducted into the WSSU Football Hall of Fame in 2014.

Professionally, "Mike" worked many ventures, including several years with the North Carolina ABC commission, and most notably as a Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Officer in the early 1970's. However, "Mike" turned to his passion for selling motor vehicles in the greater Charlotte area. As a longtime motorcycle enthusiast, "Mike" designed and sewed patches for motorcycle vests and other paraphernalia. He was a devoted member of the Outcast Motorcycle Club of NC for several years. Participating in various community organizations, "Mike" ascended to the 32nd degree of Freemasonry and continued other endeavors as time permitted. Being raised in a traditional Christian home, "Mike" attended and was a member of the Reeves Temple AME Zion Church in Davidson, NC where he served throughout his youth and into his adult years. Upon marrying Katherine, a member of the Greenville Memorial AME Zion Church, "Mike" transferred his membership there.

"Mike" will be remembered for his straightforward demeanor; his love for family, especially his grandchildren; and Harley- Davidson motorcycles. From his union with Vivian Donaldson Conner, "Mike" is survived by his two daughters, Felicia M. Conner; and Carmelita J. Conner, all of Charlotte, NC. "Mike" is also survived by his son Hezekiah Massey, III (Jamie) of Fort Mill, South Carolina from his over 20 year marriage to Katherine Conner. Along with his children, "Mike" leaves to cherish memories, his grandchildren, Alicia McGriff of Raleigh, North Carolina; Asia McGriff of Mooresville, North Carolina; Kymani Tinsley; Hezekiah Massey, IV; Janae Massey; and Indya Massey, of Fort Mill, South Carolina. His great-grandchildren, NaDarian Shaquille Conner Jr; Jianni Sanders; Chandler Williams; Ja'Layah Thomas. Along with his legacy of children, those left to cherish precious memories are his three sisters, Mrs. Margaret S. Ross (Sammie) of Iron Station, North Carolina; Ms. Castella Conner, of Charlotte, North Carolina; Mrs. Bertha Lee Morrow (Rodney) of Charlotte, North Carolina; a brother, Mr. Talmadge O. Conner, Jr. (Alferia) of Mooresville, North Carolina; bonus brothers, Dr. Clinton Donaldson, of Detroit, Michigan, and Mr. Monte "Flex" Nichols, of Daytona Beach, Florida; an aunt, Mrs. Anna Conner, of Landham, Maryland; special cousins, Mr. Harold "Bo" Beasley, and his wife, Mrs. Paula Beasley, and their children, of Atlanta, Georgia; Ms. Monika Smith and her children, of Sugarland TX, and a host of nieces, nephews, other cousins, and friends.