John Conner Obituary

John F. Conner of Navarre Beach Florida, formerly of Birmingham Alabama. Passed away peacefully on June 12, 2025, at home surrounded by family. John's Legacy is woven into the very fabric of Navarre Beach. After the hurricanes Opal and Ivan, he dedicated himself to restoring its beauty, ensuring that the place he loved so deeply could thrive once more. As a founding member of the Navarre Beach Beautification Committee (BBC), John was more than just a volunteer- he was visionary, transforming recovery efforts into a movement that reshaped the landscape for generations to come. He was a familiar figure, waving to neighbors and visitors alike as he tended to the entrance of the Navarre Beach causeways revitalization- working right alongside the landscapers and volunteers. His tireless dedication wasn't about aesthetics; it was about preserving the spirit of NB and its natural beauty surrounding them. John was born in Savannah, Georgia on July 15,1938. He grew up in Jacksonville, Florida where he met his beloved wife of 65 years, Sandra Nelson Conner (Sandy) before her passing February 2022. They married at the early ages of 17 and 18. They are now together again at peace in heaven. Despite Life's challenges, John's strength and determination never wavered. After losing his father at a very young age, he forged his own path, building a successful business and insuring a bright future for his family. John and Sandy first set foot on the white sands of Navarre Beach in the 70's, captivated by its untouched beauty. Their love of the coastal heaven prompted them to purchase a place in the early 80s. In 2005 they made NB their permanent home. John's generosity extended beyond NB. He supported The Salvation Army, American Red Cross, St Jude Hospital, The Florida Sheriffs boys ranch and of course the Beach Beautification Committee. Organizations that reflected his beliefs in giving back- wanting to leave the world better than when he found it.

John was preceded in death by his wife, Sandra N. Conner; his parents, Elizabeth Walker and John F. Conner Sr.; sisters, Joan Dobson, Laura Alicia Davis; and his twin, Janice Bass. He is survived by his children, John Conner III, Lori Conner Kadzoilka (Jim), Marilyn Conner James (Greg); seven grandchildren, Natalie LeSueur, Brandi Carboni, Sean Carroll, Tiffany Armstrong, Chris Conner, Christian Conner James, Mason James; and eight great grandchildren.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday August 23, 2025, at Lewis Funeral Home Navarre Chapel, 7794 Navarre Parkway Navarre, FL 32566, with visitation from 10:00-11:00am and service at 11:00am.
Please join us for a Celebration of Life in honor of John F. Conner immediately following the service. Place TBA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Navarre Beach Beautification Committee (BBC) in honor of John and Sandy Conner at:
http://navarrebeach.org/donate
Please scroll down and click on the SECOND YELLOW DONATE BOX for Beach Beautification Committee and include for "BBC in memory of John & Sandy Conner", or make check payable to: NBLRA BBC
For: In memory of John & Sandy Conner Mail to: NBLRA P.O. Box 5003, Navarre, FL 32566 Thank you.
John 16:22- So, with you; now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.