Charles "Chuck" Miller Conner's Obituary
Charles Miller Conner (Chuck) went to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 15th, 2026. He was born on May 4th, 1938, in Ripley, MS, and was the eighth child of eleven born to Homer and Sally Conner. His older brother Clyde convinced him to move to Memphis, Tennessee, where he spent the rest of his long life.
Chuck had several jobs, including serving in the US Army, driving a city bus, reading meters for MLGW, and working in the vacuum and sewing department at Sears, before he found his true calling as an auctioneer.
He sold antiques, cars, and real estate, all while traveling across the United States due to his work.
His nickname in the auction business was The Rifleman because he both shared a name and likeness with the actor, Chuck Connors, as well as his being quick to pull the trigger on a sale.
He won many awards for sales during his career. His success in sales was due to his ability to know the price of any item and what it was worth/would sell for, and he would frequently use the tactic of flipping a coin to get a good deal.
Another special talent Chuck had was being able to pinpoint the distance to the tenth of the mile and how long it would take to get somewhere.
He took up golf late in life, which brought him great joy. His volunteer position at Audubon golf course led to full-time employment, where he made many new friends.
One of his favorite sayings was, “Your attitude determines your altitude,” and he lived every day by this principle.
He was always positive and encouraging to everyone he met, and he would frequently call and check in on friends and family every week. He had a great sense of humor and was always kidding around. His friends would say, “You cannot outwit Chuck.” “He was so clever, quick-witted, and unapologetically authentic.”
Chuck and his family were members of Hope Presbyterian Church.
He is survived by his wife, Tina; children Chuck, David, Dollie, and Christina; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his brother Bobby Conner and sister Joy Gillespie; and many friends.
In summary, the Bible verse that applies to his life is Matthew 25:21, which states, “Well done, good and faithful servant…”
There will be a celebration of life in the chapel at Hope Church (8500 Walnut Grove Road, Cordova, TN 38018 on Friday, January 30th, 2026, at noon, with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that charitable donations be made in Chuck’s name to the following organizations: Baptist Reynolds Hospice House, West Cancer Center and Research Institute and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38119 (901) 767-8930.
“Where Memphis comes to remember, since 1924.”
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