Stephen Ray Connell

Mr. Stephen Ray Connell, 54, a resident of Columbia, died Saturday, April 16, 2022 at Maury Regional Medical Center. Funeral services for Mr. Connell will be conducted Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home with Pastor Matt Travers officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery. The family will visit with friends Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Condolences may be extended online at www.oakesandnichols.com. The family suggests memorials be made to St. Jude Children’s Research 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN. 38105. Born on November 20, 1967 in Maury County, he was the son of the late Aubie Clayton Connell, Sr. and the late Martha Ann Davis (Thomas Edward) Counts. Mr. Connell was employed by the county for 38 years where he was a heavy equipment operator for the Highway Department. He enjoyed building and flying radio controlled planes, hunting, fishing and spending time on his boat. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Carol Keele Connell; brother, Addym Joseph Connell of Columbia; sisters, Phyllis Marie (David) Parrish and Rebecca Darlene Connell both of Columbia; brother-in-laws, Dan (Stephanie) Keele of Paris, Tennessee, Paul Keele of Comanche, Texas, Dwayne (Sam) Dunn of Ballinger, Texas and Derek (Shannon) Keele of Conway, Arkansas; several nieces & nephews, great nieces & nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his step-father, Thomas Edward Counts; brothers, Aubie Clayton Connell, Jr. and Terry Lee Connell; and sister, Syble Carter. Pallbearers will be Terry Thompson, David Alderson, Nick Jackson, Lucas Jackson, Shelby Carpenter and Spencer Carpenter. Honorary pallbearers will be employees of the Maury County Highway Department.