William McConnell

William “Billy” Joseph McConnell Sr. (September 20, 1949 to November 3, 2020) died peacefully Tuesday night, surrounded by family.

He was preceded in death by his father, William Russell McConnell; brother, Dennis McConnell;and sister, Susan Harrington.

He is survived by his mother, Shirley McConnell; son, William McConnell Jr; daughter, Rebecca Ashby (Christopher); brother, Richard McConnell (Debbie); grandchildren, Katherine Smith (Patrick), Maegan Ashby, Sutton McConnell, Patrick Ashby, Lilly Belle Ashby, Wrennon McConnell, and Xylia McConnell.

Billy was born and lived for most of his life in Gulfport, Mississippi. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1968 where completed two tours in Vietnam before receiving an honorable discharge in 1970. After his military service, he worked for American Medical Response as an Emergency Medical Technician. For most of his adult life, Billy was a Deputy with the Harrison County Sheriff's Department.

He was a member of the Sheriff’s Department for 33 years. Within that time, he served as a Deputy, and was later promoted to Investigator in the Criminal Investigation Division before finally being promoted to Lieutenant and assigned to the Internal Affairs Division where he worked until he retired.Billy McConnell will be remembered as a devoted public servant and loving son who was dedicated to his family. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and spending time with his grandchildren. He could usually be found sitting on the back porch having a cup of coffee.

Visitation will be on Saturday, November 7, 2020, from 9 – 10 am at the RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 19130 Commission Rd, Long Beach. The funeral service will be at 10:00 AM in the funeral home chapel. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to the Cancer Research Institute https://rb.gy/rsdovu in memory of William McConnell, Sr.