Willis Winthrop McConnell

Willis Winthrop McConnell, 100 ½ years old passed away at his home on Saturday, October 25, 2025. Born April 29, 1925, he was the son of the late Willis Sampson McConnell and Eleanor Crane McConnell Fears. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters Elizabeth “Betty” McConnell Lamm, Eula McConnell Martin, and his brother Benjamin Bernard McConnell. He is survived by his daughters, Margaret Ann McConnell Logwood, Lynn McConnell Stacy, Lovada McConnell Seawell, his sons David Winthrop McConnell, and Willis “Alex” Alexander McConnell, 15 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, and 8 great, great grandchildren, sisters, Lenore “Peggy” McConnell Fox, Martha McConnell Burgess, brothers, Frederick (Jerry) J. McConnell, Dr. James J. McConnell, George McConnell, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Sonny/Billy was a WWII veteran. He landed on the beaches of Normandy, fought in the Battle of the Bulge, was injured, spent four and one half months in the hospital in England, joined his company after his discharge from the hospital and was in Germany when the war ended. He was a recipient of a Purple Heart.

Sonny/Billy worked for his dad at McConnell’s Feed Store on Commerce Street, Lynchburg, VA, in his younger years. Later, he was the builder and owner of Mack’s Garage at Agricola, VA which he passed on to his son Alex. He was a man of many talents, especially, vehicle mechanical repairs and body work and was well known for his expertise in both.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 31, 2025, at 2:00 pm, at Tharp Funeral Home Chapel, 118 Commonwealth Drive, Madison Heights, VA 24572.

The family would like to thank The Veterans Administration for their excellent health care of Sonny /Billy for many long years. We would like to also thank his hospice nurses, caregivers and everyone who has contributed to enabling him to live in his home until God called him home.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg is assisting the family.