Larry McConnell ROCK HILL - Mr. Lawrence "Larry" A. McConnell Jr., 65, passed away on Tuesday, July 1, 2014, at Piedmont Medical Center. A memorial service will be 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 5, 2014, at Catawba Baptist Church, with the Rev. Chuck Trammel officiating. Burial will be private. Born in Rock Hill, Mr. McConnell was a son of Joyce S. McConnell of Rock Hill and the late Lawrence A. McConnell Sr. He was a U.S. Army veteran of Vietnam stationed in Korea and was employed with York County Emergency Operations for four years. He was the active chief at Lesslie Volunteer Fire Department for seven years and a volunteer fireman for 48 years. He was a member of Catawba Baptist Church, the York County Fire Chiefs Association and the S.C. Firefighters Association. He enjoyed tractor pulls and attending drag races with his son and was loved by his family and community. He was a loving husband of 46 years, a best friend to his son and a wonderful family man. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife, Sandy McConnell; his son, Brent McConnell of Rock Hill; his brother, Frank McConnell and his wife, Kathy of Rock Hill; and his sister, Susan Saverance and her husband, Ronnie of Rock Hill. The family will receive friends from 1:30 to 3 p.m. (prior to service) at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Mr. McConnell's name to the S.C. State Firefighters Fund, P.O. Box 211725, Columbia, SC 29221 or to MUSC Children's Hospital, Burned Children's Fund, P.O. Box 250329, Charleston, SC 29425.
Published in The Herald on July 4, 2014
Larry McConnell, a volunteer firefighter for almost five decades who was chief at Lesslie southeast of Rock Hill, died late Tuesday after a battle with cancer. He was 65.
McConnell, whose regular job was at the York County Emergency Management Office, taught firefighters for decades through the South Carolina fire academy and was a crucial component of York County's fire and volunteer service.
"We lost a great one," said Mike Ellis, a Lesslie volunteer who works full-time for the Rock Hill Fire Department.
The flag outside Lesslie's main station is already at half-mast as county and city departments plan for a fire department service later in the week.
Tommy White, longtime assistant chief at Lesslie, will take over the chief's duties from McConnell, who was a volunteer for 47 years.
"Larry McConnell is what being a volunteer and helping people is all about," White said.
Michael Scott, a Rock Hill firefighter who started as a volunteer at Newport northwest of Rock Hill, said McConnell taught his first fire class 20 years ago and instilled in all who met him that the fire service was a calling.
"He helped thousands of people, strangers, and taught others to do it too because he believed in helping people," Scott said.
Funeral services are pending.
McConnell’s wife of 46 years, Sandy, said her husband was as passionate about the Lesslie department, and the people he served, in his 60s as he was when the couple married as teens.
“He just loved the department and loved the people and I always knew that was a part of him,” Sandy McConnell said. “I can’t count how many birthdays and holidays he missed because he was out responding to calls. But that is who he was and everyone loved him for it.”
Larry and I both worked for York County for several years. Although I knew Larry in high school it was not until he began working for Emergency Management did I really get to know what an inspiration he was. Larry bravely fought cancer for several years, but always kept a positive attitude. He was an inspiration because I don't know if I could be as strong as he was while he fought to carry on with his life while battling cancer. I am proud to have known Larry and honored to have called him my friend. Larry touched many people and will be remembered as a man with a big heart. Rest in peace Larry.
LESSLIE —
Bill White
Larry and I both worked for York County for several years. Although I knew Larry in high school it was not until he began working for Emergency Management did I really get to know what an inspiration he was. Larry bravely fought cancer for several years, but always kept a positive attitude. He was an inspiration because I don't know if I could be as strong as he was while he fought to carry on with his life while battling cancer. I am proud to have known Larry and honored to have called him my friend. Larry touched many people and will be remembered as a man with a big heart. Rest in peace Larry.
Bill White