Charles Franklin Connor, Jr., well-known businessman and much beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to many people, died at his home surrounded by his family on July 19, 2008 at the age of 69. Born June 29, 1939, he was the son of the late Charles Franklin Connor, Sr. and Margaret Lester Connor. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant son, Marty Brandon Connor.

Mr. Connor is survived by his wife, Jean Huffman Connor of Conover; daughter, Kimberly Connor Little and husband Brad of Claremont; sons, Charles Franklin Connor III and wife Edie of Catawba, Stanley Mark Connor and wife Holly of Conover, Monte Carlton Connor of Catawba, Michael Eric Connor and wife Kim of Claremont, Tracy Matthew Connor and wife Julie of Newton, Brandon Lynx Miller and wife Anna of Conover; step-daughter, Janet Miller Keever and husband Jeff of Charleston, SC; step-son, Todd Miller and wife Nicole of Conover, grandchildren, Lyndsi Little Sigmon and husband Wesley, Erika Little, Crystin Connor Pittman and husband Nick, Travis Connor, Charles Franklin Connor TV, Catie Connor, Margaret Connor, Jennifer Hayes and husband Lamont, Krystal Connor, Chase Connor, Brooke Connor, Michael Connor, Brittany Connor, Matthew Connor, Brianna Miller, step-grandchildren, Jefferson Keever and Zachary Connor, and great grandchildren, Olivia Hayes an Camryn Pittman. Mr. Connor is also survived by his sister, Margaret Connor Garrison and husband Tony of Catawba; nephews, Aaron Garrison and wile Lisa, Ryan Garrison and wife Angela; and great-nephews and nieces, Zachary, Adam, Parker, Olivia, and Rylee Garrison.

In addition to the members of his family, Charles is also survived by a group of dedicated caregivers who faithfully assisted him in his valiant effort to regain his health over the last several years. Those caregivers include Jeff Witherspoon, Kevin Abernathy, Josh Stout, and Ty Elrod. Special thanks are extended to his good friend and daily visitor, Bob Price as well as his many friends from across the state who faithfully visited, called, and sent cards to bolster Charles's spirit during his illness.

The family is deeply indebted to the medical care and support provided by Dr. James Hodges and his nurse Patty Queen of Hickory Family Practice Associates, Dr. Billy Price of Catawba Valley Internal Medicine, and Keith Berry of Hospice of Catawba Valley. Words cannot adequately express the extent to which the Connor family has felt supported by the members of Charles's church family from Conover First United Methodist Church and his pastor, Reverend Mickey Moree. Throughout his long illness, Charles was deeply humbled by the love and respect that so many people demonstrated for him.

Recognized for his business expertise and respected for his many contributions to the quality of life in Catawba County, Mr. Connor founded a number of area businesses throughout his career including County-Wide Insurance in Claremont, Mom 'n Pop's Ham House, Western Steer Family Steakhouse, Sagebrush Steakhouse and Saloon, Mom 'n Pop's Fish Camp, Bethlehem Fish Camp, Untouchable's Pizza, Mel's Diner, and FlapJack's Restaurant.

Charles received national recognition by being named to Integon's prestigious President's Round Table and President's Inner Circle numerous times throughout the next three decades. He was named Restaurateur of the Year in 1986 and served as President of the North Carolina Restaurant Association in 1990. He was honored with the Eure Hospitality Award in 1990, the NCRA Distinguished Service Award in 1991, and the NCRA Special President's Award in 1998.

He served on the Governor's Advisory Committee on Hotel and Tourism under former Governor Jim Hunt. From 1986-92 he served on the Lenoir Rhyne College Board of Visitors and was a member of Lenoir Rhyne's Founders Society.

Regardless of his business success, Mr. Connor remained a humble man who strongly believed in the spirit of giving to others as was exemplified by his collection of Christmas memorabilia, especially music boxes inscribed with a belief dear to his heart: "May the Spirit of Christmas Dwell In Your Heart All the Year." The joy he found in life and the many friends he made along the way stand as testament to the power of that philosophy.

Charles graciously delighted in assisting churches, schools, organizations, and individuals in the realization of their goals and served as a major contributor to many local endeavors. Some of those churches and organizations include the Connor Family Life Center of First United Methodist Church in Conover, Connor Life Center of Rehobeth Methodist Church, Terrell; First United Methodist Church in Catawba, The Corner Table, The Family Care Center; and ECCCM. Local schools and educational initiatives which he supported include Bunker Hill High School, Claremont Elementary, Conover School, and Lenoir Rhyne College. In addition he established the Connor Scholarship fund through various churches to assist young people in their pursuit of a college education.

An avid sports enthusiast and former high school basketball star himself, Charles took great pride in supporting and recognizing the accomplishments of local sports teams and athletes. Over the years he thoroughly enjoyed attending local sports events and cheering on his children and grandchildren as they participated in high school athletics.

Mr. Connor was a member of First United Methodist Church in Conover where the family received friends Sunday evening in the Connor Family Life Center. A private funeral and interment will be held at a later date, The funeral services will be conducted by Reverend Mickey Moree and Reverend Gervase Hitch.

Proudly serving as pallbearers will be Mr. Connor's sons, grandson, and nephews. Honorary Pallbearers will be his caregivers and Bob Price.

The Connor family has entrusted funeral arrangements to Willis-Reynolds Funeral Home & Crematory in Newton, NC.

-- The Charlotte Observer (Charlotte, North Carolina), Monday, July 21, 2008; Page 15.