Robert Emmitt Connell, Iii

Dr. Robert “Bobby” E. Connell, 60, of Johnson City, Tennessee, died after a long battle with dementia on July 11, 2023, at his home surrounded by family.

Bobby was born November 4, 1962, in Clarksburg, WV, the son of Robert and Caren Connell. Bobby graduated from LaSalle High School in 1981, received his Bachelor of Arts and Sciences from West Virginia University in 1988, MBA in 1989, Marshall University Medical School in 1993, and completed a residency at The Washington Hospital in 1996. In 1985 he married his soulmate and high school sweetheart, Sheri Womack, whom he had been courting since the 5th grade. Bobby served as a Family Practice physician for 18 years, significantly impacting the lives of all the patients he cared for. In 1994 he joined the United States Air Force, earning many metals for his exceptional patient care with our veterans; before leaving in August of 2001, he achieved the rank of Major. Bobby and Sheri have been married for 37 years. August 10th will be remembered by many as the hottest wedding day ever. Bobby was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents Robert and Caren Connell, and brother, Michael Connell.

Bobby was an incredibly humorous person who was also friendly, generous, and selfless. He always preached the gospel, not always by words, but by how he lived his life. His patients loved his compassionate temperament, and he cared about their entire well-being. Bobby quoted many times that he had the easiest job ever. All he had to do was listen to the patients, for they never felt they were listened to by others. He will be greatly missed by his family and everyone who had the privilege to know him.

He is survived by his wife, Sheri Connell; his five children: Schuyler Connell of Charlotte, NC; Chelsea Taylor and her husband Trevor of Ruston, LA. Sean Connell and his wife Katlyn of Bluff City, TN; Collin Connell and his fiancé LeAnna Vance of Kingsport, TN; and Ayden Connell of Johnson City, TN; six grandchildren, Lily, Lexi, Robert, Arya, Bailey, and Luke; one brother Timothy Connell and his wife Ginger of Houston, TX; many nieces and nephews.

The wake will be held on Friday, July 14, at Morris-Baker Funeral Home, from 5 pm - 7 pm, with a Rosary, prayer service, and memory sharing starting at 7 pm. A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, July 15th, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 2211 E. Lakeview Dr., Johnson City, TN, at 11 am, under the direction of Father Peter Iorio, with a luncheon following. The Mass will be livestreamed and available to view on St. Mary’s Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/live/FMDcYfSh-zU?feature=share. The committal service will be held Monday, July 17th, at Mountain Home National Cemetery, 53 Memorial Ave, Mountain Home, TN, at 11 am. Please meet at the cemetery by 10:50 am.

To carry on the legacy of Bobby by helping others, in place of flowers, consider donating to: Providing Hope VA (https://providinghopeva.com/donate or by mail: Providing Hope, VA, 643 HWY 701 S., Loris, SC 29569) or St. Vincent De Paul at https://www.wesharegiving.org/app/giving/WeShare-2969?tab=home.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family via www.morrisbaker.com

Morris-Baker Funeral Home, 2001 E. Oakland Ave, Johnson City, Tennessee, is honored to serve the Connell family. (423) 282-1521