Renard Neal Connor, Jr.
Renard Neal Connor, Jr., 77 of Hitchcock passed away on Tuesday, January 28, 2020 in Webster. He was born September 19, 1942 in Bald Knob, Arkansas to Renard and Barbara Connor.
He was a graduate of Gillette High School Class of 1960 and played football for one season at Arkansas A&M. He enlisted in the US Army in 1962, where he spent time stationed in Korea and was honorably discharged October 31, 1967. While stationed in Killeen, Texas he went on a blind date and after a 6 month courtship he married his “Honey Bunny” Sharon Rygaard and was happily married for 551/2 years. Neal was a Hitchcock Red Raiders Coach for 15+ years, Hitchcock Little League Baseball President and coach for 15+ years. He was the founder of Hitchcock Pony Colt Baseball League. Neal was a member of the Hitchcock High School Athletic Booster Club, Hitchcock Parks Board, Hitchcock Good Ole Day for 30+ years, and a Major Chamber Contributor. He was the Hitchcock Man of the Year 1988 & 2006, and the previous Hitchcock High School Baseball field is named after him. He retired from Marathon Oil after 35 years and The City of Hitchcock after 10 years. He was also a steward and chairman of the AFL-CIO OCAW and United Steel Workers.
His greatest joy was being a Paw Paw to seven grandchildren.
He loved to BBQ for numerous fundraisers, family events and friends. He spent many years being outside and had a passion for gardening.
He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Janie Ballard, step-mom Lucille Connor, step-father George Johnson, mother-in-law Maxine Rygaard, father-in-law Martin Rygaard, son-in-law Larry Lopez and nephew William Outten.
Neal is survived by his wife of 551/2 years, Sharon Connor, daughter Renelle Lopez Jenkins and Anthony, two sons Martin Connor and fiancé Terrie Torres and David Connor and Sylvia, brother Daniel Connor and Carol, sister-in-law Kay Warren, brother and sister-in-law Martin and Carol Rygaard and his seven grandchildren: Chloe Lopez, Brett Connor, Roselyn Connor, Adrienne Connor, Brandon Connor, Audrey Connor and Ava Connor and numerous nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held from 1:00pm – 3:00pm on Saturday, February 1, 2020 at First Baptist Church in Hitchcock with the Celebration of Life following at 3:00pm on Saturday, February 1, 2020 at First Baptist Church in Hitchcock 6601 FM 2004 Hitchcock, Texas.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the First Baptist Church in Hitchcock.
Andy and I are so sorry for your loss. Neal was an interesting and funny man and it was a honor to have known him.
Our hearts are heavy and eyes full of tears. Our love and prayers are with you, Sharon and the “Kids”. The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face to shine upon you, and give you peace.
Praying for your family, from the hill.
Neal and his awesome family were my parent’s next door neighbors. The Moore’s and Connors shared many laughs and good times. My daddy Marion and Neal served Hitchcock, Texas together for many years. We will miss that big beaming smile of yours Neal. We extend our sincerest condolences to the family.
Sissy Moore Milan
Coach you taught us alot. As adolescents I will never forget the memories or the sleep overs at your house. Its a sad day for me cause you always stuck in my head as I grew up we never got a chance to meet after we grew up I apologize 4 that coach. Please 4 give me. We had the best record at the. Red Raider club at the moment 22-1-1superbowl- I am an will always be a Hitchcock Red Raider 4 life. Thanks 4 the memories Coach Conner you will be definitely miss love you always Richar “Bubba Black “Shaw #22
Remembering ol’ times in Garden Terrace a ton of years ago. So sorry for the loss of Neal for us all. Sending love and prayers.
Sleep in Heavenly peace, Neal.
Sherry, Renelle, Matin, David and all the rest of the family, please know that y’all are in our hearts and prayers. We love you.
Melody (Rygaard) and Mike Smith
My sincerest heartfelt condolences to each of you.
Sending a lot of love to this sweet family❤️
Sincerely, Natalie Wilson
I had many great conversations with Mr. Connor over the years I will miss the chance to have more. Prayers for his family.