JACKSONVILLE – Joe Allen Conner, 87, of Jacksonville, NC, passed away on Monday, November 20, 2023.

He was born on November 30, 1935 in Lexington, KY to James E. Conner, Sr. and Elveree Fitzpatrick Conner.

He enlisted in the United State Marine Corps in December 1953. He faithfully served his country for 20 years to include combat duty in support of the Republic of South Vietnam. He retired at MCAS Cherry Point, at the rank of Staff Sergeant. His military career took him abroad to many duty stations. At one of those stations, Marine Barracks, Yokosuka, Japan, he met and married his wife, Hiroko Nagashima, known to most by her nickname, Cookie. They were married for 46 years before her passing in 2005.

Following his military service, he worked with Westminster Company. Later, he worked several years in Civil Service as a water treatment plant operator aboard Camp Lejeune until his retirement.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was predeceased by his three brother; Raymond Conner, James (Jimmy) Conner, Jr. and Frank Conner, and one sister, Pasty Plyman.

He is survived by his two daughters, Theresa Bullock and husband, David, of Jacksonville and Patricia (Patsy) Cline of New Bern; four grandchildren, Ryan Justice and wife, Adrianna, Bryan Bullock and wife, Jennifer (Jen), Jennifer (Jenny) Ray-Ferucci and husband, Danny, and Eric Cline; five great-grandchildren, Devyn Justice, Drake Justice, Kennedy Ray, RJ Ray, and Brooklyn Bullock.

A private interment will be held at Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery.