Thomas Martin Conner

Thomas Martin Conner 1944 - 2025 Thomas Martin Conner, 81, passed away in McComb, on Monday, September 29 at SMRMC. He was born on March 3, 1944, in Jackson, to James Ousley Conner and Beulah Keith Martin Conner. Preceding Thomas in death were his parents and oldest sibling Sarah Elizabeth Conner Childress and her husband John. Thomas “Tom” accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at First Baptist Church in Jackson. He joined Tylertown Baptist Church upon moving there and later became a member of McComb Baptist Church.

He graduated from Jackson Central High School in 1962. After a year of working in Colorado installing power lines across the Rocky Mountains, Thomas officially became a Mississippi State University student, graduating in 1968, and forever an avid Maroon and White Bulldog fan and supporter. Later, he graduated from the LSU School of Banking of the South.

Tom had begun his work experiences at a young age, going to work with his father, becoming a paperboy, bagging groceries at the Jitney #14, to reading MP&L meters while in college. Upon graduation from MSU, he became a national bank examiner in Jackson, New Orleans, and in Nashville. During this time, he served as a member of the Mississippi Air National Guard for 8 years.

In 1968, Thomas Conner married Earlene Hall at Grace Methodist Church in Jackson. They became the parents of two beloved children, Beth and Eric. It was in 1976 that the family moved to Tylertown, with Tom becoming a vice president at Tylertown Bank. Then, he bought the OTASCO store and later added the Trustworthy Hardware business. Nine years later, he closed the business and obtained a real estate license, working for Rushing Realty before opening Conner Realty and Investment in McComb. Tom’s many community activities included: being a part of reorganizing and coaching various baseball leagues from tee ball to Babe Ruth, as well as terms as president of each league; serving as various offices including president of both Walthall County and Pike County Chambers of Commerce; serving in positions on Pike County Board of Realtors and Mississippi Board of Realtors, including president.

His favorite place to be was anywhere with his children and grandchildren (especially if it was in Starkville, MS). Tom loved helping others, working hard, and ringing his cowbell.

Thomas is survived by his children’s mother; daughter Laura Elizabeth Conner Hewitt (Jamey); son Thomas Eric Conner; 4 grandchildren Raney Hewitt Seale (Zach), Grayson Hewitt, Gavin Conner and Lilo Conner; sisters Mary Ann Conner, Jamie Barnett, Jimmye Carolyn Prouty (Ray), and brother Steve Conner. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Visitations was held on Thursday, October 2, from 5-8PM and will be held on Friday, October 3, from 9AM until services at 10AM at Hartman Jones Funeral Home in McComb with Dr. David Millican officiating. Following, a graveside service will be held in Kosciusko, at Bethel Methodist Church Cemetery, resting place of his paternal grandparents, at 3PM. Hartman Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Pallbearers will be Grayson Hewitt, Gavin Conner, Ken Craft, Bobby Owens, Conner Owens, Dean Cotten, Zach Seale, and Mark Hughes. Honorary

Pallbearers will be Steve Conner, Kendall Hawkins, Stanley Agley, Brooks Polk, and Tom Cotten.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Bethel Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, 12966 Attala Road 3122, Vaiden, MS 39176 or your favorite charity.

The family would like to give special thanks to Compassus and Camellia Estates for their kindness and care.