Buddy Wiley Connor

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With faith in the promise of eternal life, we announce that Buddy Wiley Connor, 85, of Wilkesboro, North Carolina, entered the presence of his Lord and Savior on June 30, 2026. Buddy was born in 1940 in Kings Mountain, NC to “Jim” A.E. Connor and Alice Pearson Connor.  He graduated in 1962 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry from North Carolina State University. He served in the Army Reserves and the US Forest Service before embarking on his career in forestry with Abitibi Corporation in Roaring River, NC, Godfrey Lumber Company of Statesville, NC, and Shaver Wood Products of Cleveland, NC.  He was also a long time forester, mentor, and Piedmont Chapter member of the Society of American Foresters. He was a loyal and enthusiastic fan of NC State Athletics.  Go Wolfpack!

Buddy was a member of Arbor Grove Methodist Church in Purlear, NC and held a great love for the music ministry there, as well as a love for Southern Gospel Music.  He lived a life marked by kindness and service to others.

Buddy is survived by his wife Joan Privette Connor, his children Chris Connor and wife Kristen of Moseley, VA, Laurie Connor Hartley and husband Chris of Pfafftown, NC, Kristy Eller Tyndall of Clayton, NC, Grandchildren Caroline Hartley, Ian Connor, Griffin Connor, Taylor Ann Hartley, Gavin Tyndall, Piper Tyndall, and Ellery Tyndall.  He is survived also by his sisters Grace Connor Weaver (John) of Shelby, NC and Kym Connor McCormick (Steve) of Clover, SC.  He was preceded in death by his parents, two wives, Mitchell (Mickey) Lynn Connor and Jane Myers Connor, and two brothers, Gene Connor of Danville, VA, and Nelson Connor of Kings Mountain, NC.

There will be a celebration of his life and casual service on Sunday, July 12 at 3:30 PM led by Rev. Dr. Susan Pillsbury-Taylor at the columbarium at Arbor Grove Methodist Church at 1984 Arbor Grove Church Road, Purlear, NC.  Following the inurnment, there will be a reception in the fellowship hall of the church. The family is requesting that attendees wear red in his honor.

The family is grateful to Mountain Valley Hospice and the personal caregivers, Stephanie Clonch, Phyllis Connor, Carolyn Kilby, and Shirley Poore for their love and devotion and support.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to Mountain Valley Hospice, P.O. Box 325, Dobson, NC 27017 or Arbor Grove Methodist Church, ℅ Lindsay Eller, 590 Shepherd River Road, Millers Creek, NC 28651.

We rejoice in the assurance that Buddy is now at peace in the presence of his Savior. His legacy will continue to inspire all who knew and loved him.

Online condolences may be made to www.reinssturdivant.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Buddy Wiley Connor, please visit our floral store.