Wilmer Lynn "Scrappy" Conner, 69, died April 25, 2018 after a long battle with lung cancer.  He was born and raised in Houston County, Texas.  He enlisted in the Marine Corps and served from 1968 until his honorable discharge in 1972 where he received, among other honors, the National Defense Service Medal and the USMC Expert Sharpshooter's Badge.  Near the end of his service, while stationed at Beaufort, he met his future bride, Linda Bateman, in the old Kmart parking lot on Victory Drive.  They were married for thirty-eight years, and he loved and cared for her until her death in 2011.  He worked a combined thirty-six years as a switchman and engineer for the Seaboard Coastline Railroad (CSX) and Georgia Central Railroad.  He retired from railroading in 2008.  However, his retirement was short lived as he went to work for the City of Pembroke a few months later, retiring in 2015.  He was an active member of the Pembroke Christian Church.  He was a member of Acacia Lodge #452, F&AM for thirty-four years and was an active member of the American Legion in Pembroke, GA.  He and his devoted companion, Hazel Thigpen, traveled together and shared a devoted faith that sustained and strengthened the bond they shared.  He was a good friend and loving father to his children and many others who needed him.

Mr. Conner was preceded in death by his parents, W.D. and Reba Conner of Kennard, TX; his in-laws, George and Annie Ruth Bateman of Ellabell, sister-in-law, Diane Conner of Centerville, TX and brothers-in-law, Lyvon Overstreet and Tommy McGee of Ellabell.

He is survived by his sons, Keaton (Holly), David (Marcey), Charlton Riegner (Micah); his daughter, LyAnne (Ronn) Polk; his sisters-in-law, Joyce Overstreet and Carol McGee of Ellabell; his grandchildren, Mary Ellen, Ava, and Trevin Polk, Sarah Conner, Emily and Charlotte Conner;  his brother, James, and nephews, Eric and Jordan Conner of Centerville, TX.

The visitation will be on Friday, April 27 ^th from 6 until 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

The funeral will be on Saturday, April 28 ^th at 11 a.m. in the chapel of the funeral home with burial to follow at Lower Black Creek Cemetery.  Brother Jim Sullivan will officiate and the pallbearers will be Sean Culbreth, Kevin Fountain, Dean Bateman, Bryan Stayton, Tommy McGee, Ronnie Polk, William Hendrix and Raymond Adams.

Friends may sign the online register book at www.stricklandandsonsfuneralhome.com

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Homes – West Chatham Chapel – 901 W. Hwy. 80 – Pooler, GA  31322 (912) 748-2444