William "Tommy" Conn's Obituary
William T, Conn Jr., 83, of Eads, Tennessee passed away from an extended illness. Born in Durant, MS, his family moved to Memphis when he was five. He graduated from Messick High School and married the love of his life, Ruth Carolle Tingle Conn and remained married for 62 years until his death. He entered the US Army at the age of 21 and served as an Assistant to the General at Fort Polk, Louisiana. After being honorably discharged from the military, he returned to Memphis and graduated from Memphis State University with a BA in Biology and Secondary Education and an MS in Biology and Earth Sciences. He acquired his Masters +45hrs in Administration and Supervision at the Doctorate Level.Conn retired from the Memphis City Schools after 35 years of service. His career touched the lives of thousands, both students he taught and teachers he supervised. Conn served as Director of the Advanced Placement Program for MCS, the Memphis Pink Palace Planetarium, and the Memphis and Shelby County Science Fair. He was the author of eight scientific publications and was elected a Fellow of the Tennessee Academy of Science.He was an avid gardener and fisherman. His impact on the lives of countless young men and women through his work and hobbies cannot be measured and will live on through them for generations to come.Conn was a member of Bellevue Baptist Church.Conn is survived by his wife, Ruth Carolle Tingle Conn, four children, Donna Burrus and Billy, of Memphis, TN, James Conn and Christine of Chattanooga, TN, Cindy Conn of Memphis, TN, and Paul Conn and Kate of Oakland, TN, with nine grandchildren and eleven great grand children.The family will receive friends on Tuesday, November 29th, from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. with the funeral service to follow immediately. All services will be held at Memorial Park in Memphis Tennessee.In lieu of flowers please make a donation to St Jude Childrens Research Hospital.
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