Dr. Geoffrey Stephen

Connor

Dr. Geoffrey Stephen Connor 46, a loving husband, doting father, caring physician, and loyal brother, son, and friend bravely and fervently fought a battle with cancer that came to an end on April 28, 2021. Geoff was born on July 31, 1974, in Peoria, IL to Dr. Gregory and Barbara Marie Smith Connor. He graduated from Hartsville High School in 1992, and received his BA in Biology from Wake Forest University in 1996, and earned his M.D. from the Medical University of South Carolina in 2000. He completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at the University of Alabama-Birmingham in 2004 and a fellowship in sports medicine at Emory University the following year. He was a brilliant and skilled surgeon with a kindhearted bedside manner who practiced in both Birmingham, AL, and Charleston, SC. Geoff loved healing people and improving their lives.

Although his years were short, they were very full. Geoff had a passion for live music, traveling, fast cars, fine cigars, boxing, ornithology, reading, sartorial elegance, and Italian cinema. In fact, he loved all things Italian. While at Wake Forest, he lived and studied at Casa Artom in Venice. There the seeds were planted that resulted in him becoming a true Italophile and speaking fluent Italian for the rest of his days. Geoff had a quick wit and keen sense of humor and was an incredibly talented writer. He was a remarkable man with remarkable gifts, achievements, experiences, and interests, yet the experience and role that brought him the most joy was fatherhood. He was devoted to his children and was happiest when he was near or with them.

Geoff was preceded in death by grandparents, Rosemarie and Robert Shelley, Louis Smith, and Dr. Frank and Marjorie Connor. He is survived by his wife, Laura Lynn Lester; his children, Charlotte and Sam Connor; his parents, Greg and Barbara Connor; his brothers, Greg and Geremy Connor (Daphne); seven nephews and one niece: Patrick Connor, Clara Connor, Thomas Connor, Grayson Connor, Charlie Connor, Walker Connor, Beckett Connor, and Parks Marshall.

Funeral Services were held on Monday, May 3, 2021, at Grace Church Cathedral, Charleston, SC.

In lieu of flowers, if you wish to honor Geoff's life and legacy, Laura Lynn has asked that donations be sent to the Rucker Collier Foundation (www.ruckercollierfoundation.com) or to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance (www.ccalliance.org).

Online condolences may be left at the Brown-Pennington-Atkins Funeral Home site www.bpafuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by SCNow on May 7, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Geoffrey Connor

Sponsored by Brown-Pennington-Atkins Funeral Home & Crematory - Hartsville.

8 Entries

Stacy Snow

April 18, 2025

I had the pleasure of working for Dr. Connor for three years at his D1 Sports Medicine practice. I can honestly say that he was the best boss that I have ever had. The day that we were told that he would be closing his practice, there wasn't a dry eye in the conference room. Dr. Connor was one of the good ones and his life was taken too soon.

Antwan Smith

August 10, 2024

Dr. Connor saved my left knee after going 9 years with a torn ACL and meniscus. He really took me under his wing and gave me the best care possible after all the damage that had been done to my knee. He was an amazing man with a good spirit. He even called me the prodigal son, because he was impressed by the research and knowledge I had gained about ACL repairs. I was shocked to hear about his passing, I found out 3 years later when making an attempt to obtain my medical records at the outpatient center in Birmingham, Alabama. I know he was a man of God and his legacy will continue to inspire others who come after him. Life is full of choices, but Dr Connor made his best effort to make every choice his best choice. R.I.P. Dr.Connorvyou will be forever missed.

Wanda Jemison

January 24, 2023

DR CONNER WAS ONE OF THE BEST SURGEONS, MY DAUGHTER AND I JUST FOUND OUT HE HAD PASSED. HE REPAIRED HER BROKEN ANKLE. OUR DEEPEST SYMPHATHY. BIRMINGHAM AL.

Billie Roling (Billie Jo Teal )

May 7, 2021

Although I haven´t seen Geoffrey in years when I think of him memories of laughter and light flood my mind. What a beautiful legacy he has left his family with and all the lives he has touched and made better with the skills he developed. My heart is so saddened that he left this world so early but what a blessing to have made such a wonderful impact in such a brief amount of time. Greg and family I will be praying for your peace.

Phil Adams

May 6, 2021

I am so sorry to learn of Geoff’s passing. We were Sigma Chi fraternity brothers at Wake and 1 yr apart. Geoff was always so friendly to everyone and I recall sharing meals and playing intramural sports together. I also recall that Geoff had a strong faith, which was not something most college students spoke about. I cannot imagine the loss you all are experiencing, but please know your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Joye Hastings Barilla

May 5, 2021

Strange, only a few days ago I was thinking about fun memories in jr.high, and I thought of Geoff. We were leaning on one of the brick walls at lunch, watching a teacher break up a fight and he was saying the funniest things, had me cracking up! He always had something witty to say, and a smile.
Prayers of comfort to his family, so sorry for your loss.

Linda and Louis Yount

May 3, 2021

Praying that peace will surround you as you go through Geoff´s services... Sending our love...

Dolores Jackson

April 30, 2021

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

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