Alvin "Crosstie" Ray Conner

Mr. Alvin Ray “Crosstie” Conner, 81, passed away on Thursday, August 11, 2022 at Sampson Regional Medical Center.

Born on September 6, 1940 in South Boston, Virginia, Crosstie was the son of the late Ernest Hagood Conner and Gladys Snead Conner. He always had a passion for being outdoors as a beekeeper and enjoyed fishing, hunting, flying airplanes, and he also enjoyed reading. He was a veteran of the United States Navy and a Section Foreman with CSX Railroad. He was able to travel to many countries during his time in the Navy. He loved to talk about his adventures and could tell you many facts he uncovered during his travels. His favorite adventure to share was from his time onboard the USS Borie. He helped retrieve Space Monkey Sam from a NASA mission. He also loved trivia and would quiz his family every chance he got. He was a mountain of a man which earned him his nickname, “Crosstie,” and he proudly accepted it. After over 30 years with the railroad, and never missing but one day, he retired due to his health. After retirement, he led a quiet life with his family. Crosstie loved being with his family, whom he adored. He will definitely be missed, but his legacy of love will live on through his children and grandchildren.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving wife of sixty years, Carol Anne Penzer Conner of the home; his two daughters: Donna Conner of Danville, Virginia; Stefani C. Lassiter and husband, Al of Niceville, Florida; his son, Alvin R. “Buddy” Conner, Jr. and wife, Tiffany, of Salemburg; sister, Dorinda Martin of Wilmington; three brothers: Stan and Gerald Conner and Edwin Dunn, all of Virginia. He was also blessed with five grandchildren: Ashleigh L. Krivulka (Ryan), Jackson W. Lassiter (Abbygail), C. Caleb Lassiter, Tabor K. Lassiter and Wrenza-Makenzi Lassiter.

Funeral services will be held Monday, August 15 at 2:00 pm at the Royal-Hall Funeral Home Chapel with Elder Jonathan Custer and Elder Ryan Krivulka officiating. Burial will follow at Sunrise Memorial Gardens in Salemburg. The family will receive friends prior to the service at the funeral home, beginning at 1:00 pm. Visitation is also welcome at other times in his home.

Royal-Hall is honored to serve the Conner family.

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