Thomas James McConnell

Thomas James McConnell, age 78 of Greenback, Tennessee, formerly of Michigan passed away on November 15, 2024. He was born in Detroit, Michigan on October 10, 1946 to his parents the late Gladys (née Kulish) and Harold “Scottie” McConnell. 

Tom is the beloved and devoted husband of Rhonda McConnell; loving father of Tom McConnell, Jeanine (Clifford) Mulka and Julie Pearce; loving brother of Rick (Debbie) McConnell, Jerry (Cathy) McConnell, Kathy (Ken) Roberts, Sherry Webb and Chris Kujawa and brother-in-law to Paula McConnell who is the wife of the late Jim McConnell; proud grandfather of 9 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Gladys and Harold “Scottie” McConnell and his brothers, the late Jim McConnell and Bill McConnell.

Tom grew up in Ferndale, Michigan. He graduated from Hazel Park High School. Later he enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served his country while stationed in Vietnam in 1967 to 1968.

He began employment with The Burroughs Corporation, a major American manufacturer of business equipment and sometime later, the company name became known as Unisys. Tom later entered funeral service as a Funeral Assistant/Manager responsible for the general operations of a funeral home, facilities, comforting the family and friends of the deceased and assisting in Funeral services. 

All of his life, Tom had a great interest and love of old cars. He loved the style, the craftmanship, history and the sense of pride that comes with owning a classic car. He loved all of the design of the vehicles from years gone by that set them apart from modern vehicles.

He also enjoyed boating. He especially loved his Chris-Craft U22. It was one of Chris-Craft’s most popular models – a 22-foot Sportsman utility boat that was built from 1946 through 1954.

Anyone who knew Tom also knew that he was an animal lover. The kind of companionship animals offer us is like no other. It was the love and companionship of his dogs that reminded him daily of what truly matters in life.

Friends may visit the Schrader-Howell Funeral Home, 280 South Main Street, Plymouth on Friday, November 22, 2024 from 2:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. There will be a Rosary service beginning at 7:30 P.M.

Visitation will continue on Saturday, November 23, 2024 from 9:00 A.M. until the time of the Funeral Mass beginning at 10:00 A.M. at St. Kenneth Catholic Church 14951 North Haggerty Road, Plymouth, Michigan.

Tom will be laid to rest with Military Honors at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan on Monday, November 25, 2024 at 10:00 A.M.

Those who wish to honor the memory of Thomas James McConnell are invited to consider a contribution to Loudon County Animal Shelter, 250 Jamie Drive, Loudon, Tennessee 37774 and Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hyland Blvd., Staten Island, New York 10306.

Contribution envelopes will be available at the Funeral Home.