Roy W. Conner, born Jan. 4, 1940, went to be with our Lord, Jesus Christ on Sept. 11, 2026, surrounded by his family. 

Born at Natural Bridge, Roy grew up on several farms in Rockbridge County. He attended Brownsburg High School where he met Ruby Davis, the love of his life and his wife of 52 years. A proud veteran of the United States Navy, Roy served on board the USS Lookout and the USS Outpost. He served on the Outpost when she was stationed for radar picket duty during the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962. Roy's first division officer encouraged him to pursue the gunnery division aboard ship and he achieved the rank of Gunner's Mate Third Class.

Following his Navy service, Roy eventually established a long career in the trucking industry. For five years he worked for Thurston Motor Lines. Then, he became a dispatcher for Overnite Transportation, serving there proudly until his retirement after 30 years service. Roy was devoted to his family and was a long-time member of Lakeside Presbyterian Church. He was a lifelong fan and part owner (1 share!) of the Green Bay Packers and a fan of the Virginia Tech Hokies. He loved driving his Mustang, taking photographs of everything and everyone, and traveling across the U.S. 

He is survived by his son, Mark Conner (Diane); daughter Rhonda Patterson (Jack); treasured grandson Dustin Conner (Nancy, with baby Myracle); and his dear friend Beverley Hudson, with whom he enjoyed many trips, dinners, and other experiences throughout their 15 years together. He is also survived by Edna and Wendell McDaniel who were more than in-laws, supporting him and Ruby as they began a life together; his sister-in-law Betty Davis; brother Sam Conner (Thelma); sisters Shirley Frazier, Emily Baska (Jeff), and Phyllis Dudley (Charles); and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. 

Roy was preceded in death by his wife Ruby Conner; his parents Oscar and Mary Conner; his brothers Ken Conner, Jake Conner (Mona), and Buck Conner (Ella); and his sister Winifred Donald (Bill). 

Roy was dedicated to his family, loving, strong, faithful, and joyful in life. He will be missed, loved, and remembered always.

A visitation for family and friends will be held Thursday, Sept. 24, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Bliley's Staples Mill Chapel, 8510 Staples Mill Road, Richmond. Funeral services will be held Friday, Sept. 25, at noon, also at Bliley's Staples Mill Chapel, with burial to follow at Greenwood MemorialGardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (nmcrs.org) or the Tunnels To Towers Foundation (t2t.org).