William Jones McConnell (Buddy) passed away on 11/17/2025 in Albertville, AL, at the age of 86. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carey and Katherine McConnell and his wife of 49 years, Anna Jean McConnell. He is survived by his daughters, Sandra Athey (Andy), Susan Lowden (John), and Kim McConnell. He is also survived by his sister, Carey Jo Elam; 4 grandchildren, Taylor Blevins (Anna Catherine), Sarah Katherine Bickerstaff (Ben), Sarah Athey, and Natalie Athey; 2 great-grandchildren, Harper and Jackson Blevins; 3 nephews, Kent, Brian and Curtis Elam; and 2 cousins, Arch and Rick McCallum.
Buddy graduated from North Mecklenburg High School (located in Huntersville, NC) and Western Carolina College (now Western Carolina University), playing baseball at both. He was also an avid bowler for over 30 years where he and Anna Jean made numerous life long friends. He had a love of all sports, including local youth sports in Albertville where he served on the Dixie Youth Baseball Board and was an AHS Diamond Club booster. He will most likely be remembered as a passionate Crimson Tide and Atlanta Braves fan.
Visitation will be Saturday, 11/22/2025 from 8:45 am until 10:30 am at Adams Brown Funeral Home with an 11:00 am graveside service at Marshall Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Jeff Simmons, Harold Hanvey, Mike Colvin, Taylor Blevins, Andy Athey, and Ben Bickerstaff.
