Christopher John "Chris" Connell

Tallahassee - Christopher John Connell, age 59, of Tallahassee, Florida, passed away after a brief illness on October 5, 2019 at Shands Hospital in Gainesville, FL surrounded by his loving wife Carla (Calton), son Michael and daughter Kristen. He is survived by his mother Maureen Connell (McDermott), father Lawrence (Laurel) Connell as well as brothers James (Vicky), Thomas (Laura) and Paul (Ann) Connell and sister Laureen (William) Dempsey (Connell), Carla's parents Bill and Bobbie Calton, siblings Nancy (Marion) Cooper and Larry (Kay) Calton, and numerous aunts, uncles, niece, nephews and his trusted dog Copper.

Chris graduated from Lincoln High School, attended Florida State University and earned his Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice/Police Science from St. Leo University.

Chris served in varying positions of increasing responsibility within the Tallahassee Police Department (TPD) and retired after 28 years as a Major. Upon retirement from TPD, he began work as an Inspector-Law Enforcement Mutual Aid Coordinator with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). In December 2014, he was selected to serve with FDLE as the Director of Capitol Police.

Chris loved his family fiercely, and enjoyed spending time with them at their beach house, taking the boat out to fish or simply be out on the water. Many people only saw the serious side of Chris, but his friends and family knew he had a wicked sense of humor and enjoyed laughing. He loved to rough house and kid around with his brothers, and was always known as someone to be counted on through thick and thin.

A memorial service will be held at Thomasville Road Baptist Church on Friday, October 11th at 2pm. After the service there will be a reception in the Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation be made to your favorite charity in Chris Connell's name.

Susie Mozolic of Bevis Funeral Home is assisting the family with their arrangements. (www.bevisfh.com 850-385-2193)

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

Published by Tallahassee Democrat on Oct. 8, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Christopher Connell

Sponsored by Bevis Funeral Home - Tallahassee Cremation-Prearrangement Center.

14 Entries

Hallie Flynn

October 15, 2019

Rest in peace

Becky Miller

October 10, 2019

Maureen, Laureen, James, Tommy, and Paul -- Mitch, Brandie, and I were so sorry to hear of your loss of Chris. I remember how when y'all were Brandie's first babysitters and you all -- Chris included -- treated her as if she was a baby sister. Chris and Paul would carry her around like a doll. Praying for strength and peace for all of you as well as Carla, Michael, and Kristen. -- Becky (Coleman) Miller

Mike Mulrennan

October 8, 2019

My condolences to The Connell family.
Major Connell was a good man..
He will be missed by many.
God Bless

Ed and Jane Broyles

October 8, 2019

Carla

Jane and I are so saddened to hear about Chris. We thought the world of Chris and appreciated him so much. He was such a dedicated law enforcement officer and we really admired that. We could all take inspiration from Chris and his values. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you, Michael and Kristen. Sending prayers

Kim Pastor

October 8, 2019

My heart is breaking! I am so very sorry Carla. Praying for your strength and sending my deepest condolences!Love Kim Pastor

Diana Mohs

October 8, 2019

Carla,

Our dear friend. We love you so much and we are so sorry. It is such a terrible shock. I had to read the news several times before I could believe what I was reading. I am struggling to find words, because no words can compensate for a loss such as this. Just know that you are in our heart and minds and we are here to do anything we possibly could.

Love,
Brad and Diana Mohs

Amber Daughtry

October 8, 2019

Carla,

I was so very sorry to hear about Chris. I cannot imagine your pain and offer my sincerest condolences to you, Michael and Kristen. Though nothing I say can make it better, you are in my thoughts and prayers. I was lucky enough to know the "business" side of Chris and the "fun" side going way back to our Vice/Crack Squad days, 30 years ago. Let your memories of Chris provide the comfort you need to get through this most challenging time.

With love,

Amber (Mahaffey) Daughtry

Diana Duhart

October 8, 2019

Rest in Peace Chris.

GLENN SAPP

October 8, 2019

On behalf of the men and women of the Quincy Police Department I extend my deepest condolences to the Connell family. Chris was one of the most dedicated, loyal and professional cops I've ever worked with. He was a great cop and a greater man.
God Bless,
Chief Glenn Sapp
QPD
TPD alum

Carolyn Conner

October 8, 2019

Carla, Kristen, and Michael,
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.
Carolyn and David Conner

Karen Sain

October 8, 2019

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Chris. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Connell family. May he rest in peace.

Kim Rowell

October 8, 2019

Carla, Michael & Kristen,

We light this candle in remembrance Chris.

My families hearts are with you and your family.

We pray that fond memories of him will comfort each of you during this hard time.

As Chris rests in peace, I know he will continue to look out and guide your family.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4

May God bless you and comfort you. Lifting you up in prayer with love,

The Keith, Kim, Katy, Summer & Kendall Rowell

Bruce Ashley

October 8, 2019

I am shocked and very saddened by Chris sudden passing. I have had the honor of working with him numerous times throughout 30 plus years, chatting and spending time with him. He is the epitome of a law enforcement professional and a genuinely fine person. Many prayers for him and family. RIP good man.

October 8, 2019

You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Alice, Sandy, Sawyer, Wyatt, and Cassidy

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