Ronald Jason Connell, 76, of Tifton, GA stepped into the eternal joy of Heaven in the presence of his Savior, in whom he placed his hope on March 4, 2024, at his residence from a brief illness.
Jason was born February 11, 1948, in Irwin County to Homer and Lenora Giddens Connell. He was preceded in death by his parents; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Nathan and Wynell Soles; his son, Ronald (Ronnie) Jason Connell, Jr., who passed away April 24, 2022; sisters, Vivian Connell and Doris Tomlinson; brothers-in-law, Albert Tomlinson and Jimmy Fountain; and sister-in-law, Brenda Connell.
Jason is survived by his wife of 53 years, Evonne Soles Connell; daughter, Melissa Johnston (Jason); granddaughters, Anna Connell, Elizabeth Connell, and Ella Claire Johnston; sister, Carolyn Danforth (P.H.), brothers, Jack Connell and Jeston Connell (Fay); brothers-in-law, Johnny Soles (Connie); Tracey Soles (Wendy) and sister-in-law, Helen Fountain (Lawrence Tucker). He is also survived by Anna and Elizabeth’s mother, Christine Dixon and daughter-in-law, Nancy Connell; and many special nephews and nieces.
Jason grew up in the West Berrien Community and graduated from Berrien County High School, class of 1966. He retired from the Department of Transportation in 1999 after a long and fulfilling career.
Jason loved his family and his church family and was a strong Christian person who lived his faith. His spiritual gifts were teaching Sunday School and praying. He was a member and deacon of Vanceville Congregational Christian Church. Blessed with carpentry, plumbing, and electrical skills, he dedicated many hours to his church. He was a firm believer in tithing to the Lord and giving offerings. He would go without to make sure his family was well taken care of first.
He enjoyed traveling by car and had seen most of the United States and some of Canada. His greatest joy was his three
granddaughters and fur baby, Maggie Mae.
His celebration of life will be held at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, March 7, 2024, in the Chapel of Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals for family and friends. The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 7, 2024, in the Chapel of Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals from 2:00 p.m. until the hour of the service. The Rev. Tim Moorhouse and the Rev. Rocky Carrington will officiate. Interment will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery with the Rev. Michael Bennett officiating.
Clayton Danforth, Greg Connell, Damon Connell, Tracey Soles, Jeremy Roberts and Blake Garces will serve as casket bearers. Honorary attendees will include D.O.T. employees and the congregation of Vanceville Congregational Christian Church.
Flowers will be accepted; or memorial gifts may be made to Hospice of Tift Area, 618 Central Avenue North, Tifton, GA 31794; St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org; or Gideons International, Tifton Camp, P. O. Box 7051, Tifton, GA 31793.