William Harris Connell, age 83, formerly of Adel, GA, passed away peacefully on August 10, 2024, at his home in Monticello, GA.

Bill Connell, born on October 19, 1940, was the second of four children born to the late James G. Connell, Sr. and Myrtle Grimsley Connell of Adel.  He graduated from Cook High School in 1958, where he played baritone horn in the marching band and was a member of the Beta Club and other school organizations.

After graduation, Bill volunteered to serve his country in the United States Marine Corps where his musical talent garnered him a position in the 1st Marine Division Band stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA., performing at countless official ceremonies and public events throughout the western United States.

After his service in the Marines, Bill returned home and attended South Georgia College, Georgia Southern College, University of Georgia and Valdosta State College, culminating in an MA in Psychology.  He became a Vocational & Occupational Counselor with the Georgia Department of Labor first in Thomasville, GA, and then in Gainesville, GA.  Bill went on to become Director of Mental Health Services at South Georgia Medical Center in Valdosta, GA, and eventually Director of Program Management at the Georgia Department of Medical Assistance (Medicaid) in Atlanta, GA, retiring in 1999.

Bill was a remarkable human being full of love, laughter, wisdom, and great intelligence.  He was always a good listener and a great conversationalist. Bill loved his family and music and people and being outdoors with his dog and cats. His ability to recall stories in remarkable detail about local history and the events of his life set him apart from the crowd.  Bill loved his country and was a member of the Baptist faith.

He is survived by his wife Carolyn Lovett Connell; his daughter Heather Charmaine Ash; and two granddaughters, Lily Batlle and Rose Ash; his two brothers, James Connell, Jr. (Irina) and Jerry Connell (Lynn); his sister Cindy Tillman Plymel (David); his nephews James Connell, III (Meghan), Thomas Connell (Gladys); Edward Lash (Melissa); Jason Tillman  (Liza); his nieces Ashley Meade (Keith), Christy Boyd, Alyssa Boyd, (Lee), Amanda Tillman Ramshead (Patrick), Mary Beth Whitelaw (James); numerous great nephews and nieces, cousins and other beloved family members.

Visitation for family and close friends was held at Boone Funeral Home (1804 S. Hutchinson Ave. in Adel) at 10 a.m. on August 14, 2024.  Public Graveside Service was held at 11:00 a.m. at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens the same day.  Boone Funeral Home is assisting the family.