Gerald Wayne Conner, Sr. died peacefully at home February 11, 2024 with his loving family by his side. Gerald was a devoted husband and wonderful father, grandfather, great grandfather and uncle. Gerald dedicated his life to helping others and was an amazing business owner with his wife, Ginger Shingler Conner.
Gerald’s memorial and visitation will be at Senter Funeral Home in Fulton, Mississippi on Saturday February 17, 2024. Visitation is at 12:30-2:00 p.m. and the service is at 2:00 p.m.
Gerald was born in Wetumpka, AL on January 18, 1940 to Harvey King Conner and Mary Kate Huff Conner. Gerald would be the oldest, then his sister, Sandra Conner Wood (deceased) and little brother, James Conner (Jimmy). Gerald was a hard worker and lovable kid from the start.
As a popular classmate, he became president of his senior class eradicating football hazing at
Wetumpka High School in 1958. At the time, he was also the football captain. Gerald spent his
life giving to others and trying to right the wrongs of society. After graduating in 1958, he headed to Mississippi where he had a a football scholarship. In 1959 he had a blind date with the prettiest girl he had ever seen, set up by his cousin, Stanley Huff. Virginia Shingler would become his wife on September 10, 1960. They lived in Montgomery a few months before he would be drafted into the U.S. Army. After service, they moved to Tallahassee, FL where he would finish his degree in finance at Florida State University in 1964. Gerald and Ginger had a dream of being business owners, so they headed to Florence, Alabama in 1965 to open a convenience store called Com-Pak before there was such a thing. They started out with one store and ended up with twelve. When it was time to retire they sold out and set out to do the Great Loop. This was 1985 before GPS! Their son, Guy, was in tow and helped navigate. Their daughters Marlene and Gina spent a great amount of time doing the Great Loop also. After the trip, they moved to Ft. Walton Beach where Gerald started a church. They ended up traveling in their boat even more. On May, 28, 1990, they ended up at Midway Marina to meet their daughter, Gina, for her birthday. They ended up buying the place and ended up retiring from that in 2017. Everyone that knew Gerald, loved him. He was the kindest person to everyone and his compassion knew no limits. His love and devotion to Ginger is unparalleled. Gerald loved fun, dancing and especially a practical joke. Through the years Gerald was a Sunday School teacher in Florence, Alabama. The teenagers adored him and his class was huge. Both he and Ginger hosted the youth every Sunday evening. He did everything in his power to steer kids in the right path. They had many employees that he would take under his wing. Their house was always full of “extra kids”. Whether it was their employees, foster children or their children’s friends, the Conner house was open to anyone that needed a place to stay, a meal or just some extra encouragement. Gerald would give you the shirt off his back. He wasn’t happy unless he was helping people. He did so much for so many that no one even knows about. He was always humble, kind, loving and generous beyond. He was an avid traveler, great businessman, Captain and an amazing humanitarian. His love for animals knew no bounds.
Gerald is survived by his wife Ginger, daughters Marlene (Chuck), Gina, son Guy (Erin); grandchildren, Chase (Alyssa), Jordan (Sid) Dylan, Bryce, Ethan, Conner, Emma, Evan; great grandchildren Cal, Viviana and Wesley and several nieces and nephews as well as their children; pets Lucky, Callie, Kit and many grandpets.
