Doc McConnell, born on September 20, 1928, died on Saturday, August 16 at Wellmont Holston Valley Hospital due to complications from a stroke.

He served in the Air Force and was a member of the Overton Lodge #5 F & AM and Jericho Shrine Temple. He had served as deacon of the First Baptist Church and had been involved in numerous community endeavors including the Boy Scouts, Habitat for Humanity and served as a nursing home ombudsman.

He was very instrumental in the revival of storytelling and was known for his telling of tall tales, lies and yarns. He was also the "pitchman" for the Doc McConnell's Old Time Medicine Show and the author of 2 'best sellers' entitled "Stuff 'n Things and Reliable Remedies" and "The Vienna Sausage Cookbook". He was recently nominated as Tennessee's first Storytelling Laureate.

Doc was preceded in death by his first wife, Virginia "Gin" McConnell; an infant son, Russ; his parents, John and Thelma Valentine McConnell; brothers, T.C. "Tom" and Cecil "Steamer" McConnell; and an infant grandson.

He is survived by his wife Guerry McConnell; daughter and son in-law, Hannah and Donnie "Rosy" Gillenwater; granddaughter, Maggie Gillenwater; brother in-law, Fred Russell; niece, Ann DeWitte; nephew, Rick Russell all of Rogersville. Sister in-law, Jessie McConnell of Kingsport; niece, Cecelia Ferguson of Richmond, VA and Kelly Ann McConnell of Casper, WY. Several cousins and great nieces and nephews.

Per Doc's wishes, there will be no formal visitation at the funeral home. Family and friends may call at Hannah and Rosy's home at 507 Holston Circle in Rogersville. A private internment will be held at Highland Cemetery.

The family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to www.caringbridge.org  or a charity of your choice.

Condolences may be sent to the McConnell family at www.christiansells.com  

Christian-Sells Funeral Home in Rogersville is serving the family.