Ernest "Rick" Conner

E.H. “Rick” Conner, 73, of New London, NC, passed away surrounded by loved ones Sunday, July 30, 2023.

Born December 10, 1949, in Rutherford County, North Carolina, to Henry Jay and Delma Collins Conner. Rick’s family moved to Stanly County when he was a boy. Rick was a 1968 graduate of Albemarle High School and went on to have a long and distinguished career in Law Enforcement before retiring from the Stanly County Sheriff’s office as Chief Deputy. Rick held many titles in his life, from “Mister” and “Chief” to “Pap” and “Pinball Wizard”, but his favorite roles were being a husband, father, and grandfather.

Rick is survived by his wife of 56 years, Linda Stewart Conner of the home; his sons, Erny Conner (Karen) and Brian Conner (Jesse) both of New London, NC; and his daughter, Brandi (Jay) Lupole of New London, NC; cherished grandchildren, Caleb Conner, Brooklyn Conner, Ethan Conner, Azlyn Conner, Brody Conner, Conner Lupole; and long-time colleague and friend of the family Danny Belcher (Terri) of Richfield. Rick is also survived by his sisters, Teresa Conner (Daniel), of West End, NC and Debra (Mark) Carpenter, of Albemarle.

Rick will be remembered as a servant to the community, a strong man who believed in family and friendship, and a mentor to many.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, August 3rd 6 – 9 PM at Hartsell Funeral Home in Albemarle and a memorial service Friday, August 4th at 2 PM at Hartsell Funeral Home’s Lefler Memorial Chapel in Albemarle. Officiated by Pastor Jeremy Blake.

In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made to: Hospice of Stanly and the Uwharrie. https://hospiceofstanly.org/

Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the family.