John C. Connell, Sr.
March 30, 1945 – November 28, 2025

John C. Connell, Sr. 80, of Cairo, GA, passed away peacefully at Magnolia Place Senior Living in Cairo, GA, on Friday, November 28, 2025. The family will have a private memorial service at a later date.

Mr. Connell was born on March 30, 1945, in Cairo, GA, to the late Anderson Berry Connell and Pearl Louise Dollar Connell. On November 9, 1995, he married Diane Perkins Connell, who survives. They have been married for 30 years. He was a graduate of Cairo High School and Georgia Southern University. Upon graduation, he began his career as a Physical Education Teacher coaching various sports in the Bulloch County area before returning in 1975 to work alongside his father in the family’s field and garden seed business. After its closing in 1999, he returned to teaching as a science teacher with the Grady County School System, where he retired. He was best known for his passion for coaching young students and his love of the outdoors. He was of the Baptist faith.

Survivors include: his wife, Diane P. Connell of Cairo, GA; children, John C. Connell, Jr. (Delann) of Cairo, GA, Michelle C. Ausley (Carter) of Cairo, GA, Ryan Connell (Briana) of Cairo, GA, Cary L. Chastain (Anne) of Charleston, SC; grandchildren, Erin Connell of Cairo, GA, Beau Connell of Cairo, GA, Jacob Ausley (Morgan) of Cairo, GA, Alyson Ausley of Claxton, GA, Tiller Chastain, Braddock Chastain, both of Charleston, SC; sister, Debra Connell Williams (Mike) of Marietta, GA; and a host of nieces, nephews and extended family.

He was preceded in death by: his parents, A.B. and Pearl Connell; and a sister, Susan Connell Orr.