Earle Allen Connelly

Earle Allen Connelly passed away Tuesday, October 20, 2015. Earle Allen Connelly lived a life with purpose, unstinting in his love for his family and generous with his time and effort on behalf of others. He was a true southerner in temperament and kindness of heart. People mattered. Community mattered. He was known for his wonderful sense of humor and easy-going nature, but he combined these gifts with hard work and an entrepreneurial spirit to help bring people together to accomplish a long list of things for the greater good of the community. He was born June 21, 1926 at Morganton, North Carolina, the son of Owen Sergeson and Mary Lucy Earle Connelly, who precede him in death. He attended the Morganton City Schools and was a proud graduate of Wake Forest University, Class of 1948, with a B. S. Degree. Earle Connelly was a devoted Demon Deacon, but this was more than a love of Old Gold and Black basketball and football. The impact that Wake Forest made on his life led him to put a special focus on projects that provided educational opportunities for others, whether at Wake Forest, the Trinity Music Academy, or the Montgomery Community College. Following his college graduation he started his own business, The Earle Connelly Corporation of Charlotte which he operated from 1948 until 1954. In 1954 he joined Russell Hosiery Mills, Inc. He served from 1958 until 1966 as Vice President and then Executive Vice President until 1987. During this period of time (1972-1987) he was also President of Russell National Sport Socks, Division RHM. In 1987 he joined the Adams-Millis Corporation, a division of Sara Lee Corporation as Executive Vice President. He retired July 1, 1991. Since his retirement he has operated two small businesses, the Connelly Knitting, Inc. and Connelly Consulting. During his years in the business world, he was on the Board of Directors, Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (1982-1988), Board of Directors, Treasurer of the Athletic Institute (1985-1988) and a member of the Steering Committee of the New York International Sporting Goods Exposition (1973-1988) Mr. Connelly was very active in community service. He served as a board member of the Montgomery County Board of Education (1960-1974), a trustee of Montgomery Memorial Hospital (1976-1994), a trustee of North Carolina Wesleyan College (1972-1980), chairman of the Parents Council of Wake Forest University (1973-1980), a member of the Alumni Council of Wake Forest University (1984-1987) and president of the Alumni Association (1986-1987). He also served as a commissioner of the Troy Housing Authority (1990-1994), director of the Montgomery Community Theatre (1991-1994), director of Trinity Music Academy, founding chairman (1991-2002), a director of the Montgomery County Fund of North Carolina Community Foundation, founding chairman (1991-2002), a trustee and vice chairman of Montgomery Community College (1994-2002) and president and director of Montgomery Community College Foundation (1996-2009). Because of his caring and concern for others Mr. Connelly was honored in 1988 with the Distinguished Alumni Citation, Humanitarian Services, Wake Forest University; 1987 he was awarded the Paul Harris Fellow, Troy Rotary Club; 2000 he was given the Distinguished Citizen Award for Public Service by the Central Council, Boy Scouts of America; 2002 he was given the Humanitarian Award at Montgomery Community College; 2005 he was awarded the Lewis R. Holding Philanthropic Leadership Award; and in 2014 Earle and Jean Connelly were awarded the Montgomery County College Foundation Humanitarian of the Year. He was a member of the Troy Rotary Club from 1959 – 2012. While a member he was president of the club 1966-67. Mr. Connelly was a very active member of Trinity United Methodist Church of Troy. He was a lay delegate to the Annual Conference (1964-1980). He served on most boards and committees in the church, also teacher of the Men’s Bible Class. He was also chairman of the board of trustees, Sanford District, of the United Methodist Church. For all of these accomplishments, he was never one to talk about them. Those close to Earle Connelly would say that his first and only mention of personal accomplishment was his happy marriage of 66 years to his wife, Jean Blanton Connelly; and his great pride in their children, Becky Connelly (Bill Briggs), Frances Connelly (Mary), Beth Burkhead (Steve) and Patty Burgess (David); grandchildren: Lee Briggs (Melissa), Matt Burkhead, Alex Burkhead, Emma Connelly and Sarah Beth Burgess; and great-grandchildren: Matilda Briggs and Magnolia Briggs. He was a self-made man, but his legacy is one of selfless love. Visitation will be held Thursday October 22, 6:00-8:00 pm, Pugh Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Street, Troy, N.C. Funeral services will be held Friday, October 23, 2015 at 11:00 am at Trinity United Methodist Church, 239 North Russell Street, Troy, NC. with the Rev. J. Scott Finicum officiating. Burial will be in Southside Cemetery, South Main Street, Troy, NC. Memorials may be directed to the Earle and Jean Connelly Scholarship Endowment, Montgomery Community College Foundation, 1011 Page Street, Troy, NC 27371. Pugh-Troy Funeral Home is serving the Connelly Family.