Walter Ray Connell of Westville, FL passed away on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was 85 years old.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 20, 2026, at Open Pond United Pentecostal Church with his sons, Rev. Steve Connell and Rev. Mickey Connell officiating. Burial will follow in the Campground Cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m.
Mr. Connell was born in Pensacola, FL, to the late Neal E. and Fannie F. Nix Connell. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and most especially spending time with his family and friends. He served four years in the US Air Force. Following his service career, he returned to Mobile, AL where he met the love of his life, Brenda Waite. They were married on June 23, 1963. He attended Texas Bible College and soon after graduating, he and his wife started a church in Bainbridge, GA. Five years later, they started a church in Americus, GA and later, one in Cordele, GA, even while he still pastored in Americus, GA. In 1986, he moved his family to Florida and pastored Open Pond United Pentecostal Church until his retirement in 2009.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by five sisters and seven brothers.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Brenda Connell of Westville, FL; three children, Steven (Clarissa) Connell of Westville, FL, Mickey (Rachel) Connell of Milton, FL, and Tammy (Shannon) Harris of Tallahassee, FL; adopted daughter, Janice “Sissy” (Stacy) Warmack of Winston, GA; five grandchildren, Andrew (Emily) Connell of Westville, FL, Chad (Madison) Connell of Milton, FL, Hannah (Tyler) Rundle of Bonifay, FL; Rylee Connell of Milton, FL and Levi Harris of Tallahassee, FL; four great grandchildren and one on the way.
Serving as pallbearers will be Brandon Windham, Greg Windham, Jr., Jamie Cooper, Donny Crosby, Greg Windham, and Lance Groce.
The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to his devoted caregivers, Kelly and Marie of Kelly’s Caring Hands; Logan Wilson, whom he loved like a grandson; his caring neighbors, Neal and Kim Rehburg; and Emerald Coast Hospice, with special thanks to his nurse, Regina.
