He was born May 28, 1941, in the Philippines, the son of the late Jack Connelly and Margie Alley Howard.

He attended Calvary Brethren and was a Christian member of Buena Vista Baptist. Bill worked for Virginia Power for 35 years as a construction supervisor in Buena Vista and Portsmouth. He served in the U.S. Navy. Bill played with the Rockbridge Pickers for 20 years and many other bands, both old time and bluegrass music. He was a state champion bowler and he enjoyed motorcycle racing, golfing, music, playing the guitar and singing. Bill loved gardening and he raised and sold azaleas.

Surviving are his wife of 48 years, Linda Connelly; sons, David Connelly, Billy Connelly (Kimberly), Ken Lassiter; daughter, Janet Robbins (Kenny); grandchildren, Austin Robbins, Melinda Robbins, Dylan Lassiter, Blake Connelly, and Ashton Noonburg (Ted); brother, Jimmy Wilson (Laurel); sisters, Celestine Rothfus (Terry), and Pat Davis (Jimmy).

A funeral will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 8, at Bolling, Grose & Lotts Funeral Chapel with Pastor Joel Ward officiating. Burial will be held 2 p.m., Friday, June 9, at Rosewood Memorial Park in Virginia Beach.

Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Calvary Brethren Church.

Arrangements are being handled by Bolling, Grose, & Lotts Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

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