Raymond "Junior" T. Conner

Raymond “Junior” Thomas Conner, Jr., 78, passed away on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at Augusta Health in Fishersville.

He was born on May 19, 1947, in Greenville to the late Raymond Thomas, Sr. and Elna Vaughn Ramsey Conner.

Raymond was a lifelong member of St. Paul’s Church, where he generously gave his time serving as an usher for many years. He greeted everyone with warmth and kindness, and his ever-present smile making each person feel welcomed.

Known affectionately as the “Candyman,” he had a special tradition of handing out candy whenever he saw you.

He proudly served in the United States Navy before beginning his thirty-year career working with Hershey’s Chocolate in Stuarts Draft.

Beyond his work, he was an avid tool collector and lifelong car enthusiast. His passion for automobiles was most evident through his involvement in the Vettes for Vets car show in Staunton.

He is survived by his daughter, Amy Lynn Conner Sumner; his brothers, Paul William, Carroll Alvin, and John Tulley Conner; his sisters, Janice Lillian Conner Johnson, Betty Vaughn Conner Natale, Patricia Anne Conner Coffey and Helen Frances Conner Brooks; his grandchildren, Zachary Anderson Sumner and Madyson Grace Sumner; numerous nieces and nephews; his girlfriend, Sandra Skelton; and his special friends, Dwight Cason and his wife, Mary Faye and Doug Patterson and his wife, Sandra.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife JoAnn Botkin Conner; his brothers, Charles Edward and Russell Thomas Conner; and his sister, Beverley Lee Conner Mish.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at Henry Funeral Home in Staunton.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, September 8, 2025, at Thornrose Cemetery in Staunton with Pastor Ryan Oswald officiating.