James Michael "Mike" Connell

JAMES MICHAEL "MIKE" CONNELL was born February 27, 1947 in Galveston, Texas to Elizabeth and Richard E. Connell, Jr. After a lengthy illness and clear display of his indisputable strength, he passed away on June 24, 2015 with his wife, daughters and son-in-law at his bedside. He is preceded in death by his mother and father, brother, Richard Egbert Connell III, and sister, Laura Ann Connell Lambert. He is survived by his wife, Sharon Kaye Connell; his two daughters Tonya Kaye Connell Toups and her husband Mitchell A. Toups, and Terri Renee Connell Pistorius; five grandchildren, Alexandra Kaye Adams, Gilbert T. Adams IV, Jacqueline Connell Adams, Peyton Matthew Toups and Vivienne Renee Pistorius; and many loved nieces and nephews. Mike Connell was a magnetic presence and a deeply caring soul. He was well-known and loved by his Central High School classmates, and maintained life-long, deep friendships with many. Having never met a stranger, he befriended people everywhere, drawing them in with his quick wit, self-deprecating grin, and genuine compassion. Mike was no stranger to adversity, but always handled it with quiet strength and no complaints. From the early age of 14, and after losing his own father to Multiple Sclerosis, he nonetheless completed the requirements of Boy Scouts, achieving the highest rank of Eagle Scout. Generosity and a tender heart were his hallmarks. He always put others before himself in thoughts and actions. The familiar expression "he would give you the shirt off his back" is an understatement. And, if you were in his company when he came across someone hurting, if you looked closely, before he turned away or masked his emotion, you would see the tears welling in his eyes. Mike Connell was a man thoroughly committed to the ideals of family. His profound love for his wife of 47 years, Sharon, could not be questioned. From the moment they met at the Minute Man on University Avenue in 1966, they were destined to spend their lives together. They experienced so much in life-from raising children, to enjoying grandchildren, enduring illness, but always, always finding humor-that even when Mike lost his ability to talk, their connection was so deep, they communicated with ease. Spoken words weren't necessary. Visitation will be at Roller Chenal Funeral Home on Sunday, June 28, 2015 from 4-6 p.m. Funeral Services will also be at Roller Chenal Funeral Home on Monday, June 29, 2015 at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 901 N. University, Little Rock, Ar. 72207, in memory of Mike Connell.