Elmer A. “Buzz” Conner, 74, of Boones Mill, VA, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, April 15, 2023. He was born on July 18, 1948, to the late Christine Tinsley Conner and Wilmer A. Conner. Buzz graduated from Andrew Lewis High School in Salem, VA. Following graduation, Buzz volunteered for the U.S. Army and served 3 years attaining the rank of Sgt. E5. He served in the Vietnam conflict doing flight operations 1967-1968. While serving his country he earned two prestigious awards: the Army Commendation Medal and Battalion Soldier of the Month. After his time of service, Buzz worked for Verizon 30 years and retired as a cable maintenance and service technician. Aside from his family and his Lord, Buzz had a great love of outdoor activities. He was an active skydiver & member of the United States Parachute Association (#897) for over 50 years, an FAA Certified Senior Parachute Rigger for over 28 years, a Parachuting Instructor and Jump Master, a Safety and Training Advisor, Drop Zone operator, PRO-rated Expert parachutist D#3509, made a total of 6,324 jumps, and accumulated over 72 hours of freefall time. He was credited with awards in national and state skydiving competitions and participated in VA state records for large-formation skydives. Another outdoor activity he enjoyed was hiking. He accumulated over 1,500 miles of hiking in various parks and other places across the USA. Buzz was strong in his Christian faith. He was a faithful member of Gospel Baptist Church in Salem since 1964 and a teacher of the “New Converts / New Members Class” for over 25 years.
He is survived by his wife, Roberta Conner; son, Andrew E. Conner, and fiancé, Mollie Randa; siblings, Ruth Crockett and husband Roger, Nancy Bandy and husband Mike, and Ed Conner.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at the John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem, VA, with Pastor Samuel Huntley, Sr. officiating. Burial will follow at Piedmont Cemetery in Shawsville, VA.
Friends may visit with the family from 10 a.m. until the service hour.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Samaritan’s Purse Ministries: www.samaritanspurse.org.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.johnmoakey.com.