John Henry Conner, Sr.

2005 Effingham County Sports Hall of Fame Inductee

Born on November 11, 1925 in Bulloch County Georgia

Married to Lillian Pack on May 31, 1947

Deceased on March 221, 1985

4 children –            Linda Conner Duke married to Walter M. Duke

                             Lenora Conner Nease married to Roy C. Nease Jr.

                             John H. Conner Jr. married to Rose Marie Cowart

                             Lisa Conner Collins married to Kenneth F. Collins

9 grand children and 8 great grand children

John Henry played an active role in the assurance of obtaining the things that were necessary to insure Oakridge Ball Park would a community ballpark for all ages to enjoy.  He assisted in all phases of the ballpark from construction to finish.  Through his efforts he was able to get the scoreboard donated and installed by Union Camp Corporation. 

He coached the Zion Women’s softball team for several years.

The real joy of his life besides his family was the Zion Men’s softball team. They played ball two or three nights a week besides playing in weekend tournaments.  One tournament the first inning resulted in 9 home runs and a single before they made the first out.  Hundreds of trophies were accumulated through the years and after his death many trophies were donated to different organizations after the players were asked to take their pick. 

In the late 1970’s he also helped coach junior girl’s softball, basketball, and made sure any child that wanted to play sports in the county was not left out because dues could not be paid.  He would donate money to the recreation department/association for any child whose parents found it a hardship to pay such dues. 

As a direct result of John’s dedication to sports in Effingham County his family has participated in the many sports activities the county has to offer.