Tommy Lee McConnell

Tommy Lee McConnell, age 96, of Commerce, Georgia, formerly of Habersham County, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

Born in Demorest, Georgia on September 4, 1929, Tommy was the beloved son of the late Paul McConnell, Sr. and Emma Inez Cash McConnell. He was a man of strong faith, quiet strength, and unwavering devotion to his family.

Tommy retired from Habersham Broom Company after many faithful years of dedicated service. He was a hard worker who found joy in life’s simple blessings. In his spare time, he lovingly tended his vegetable gardens and cared for his mules. He especially delighted in riding his mules and wagon in the Gold Rush Parades for many years, a tradition that brought him much pride and happiness.

Above all else, Tommy was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. For 63 cherished years, he shared a beautiful marriage with his loving wife, Julia Poole McConnell. His greatest joy was time spent surrounded by his family, whose lives are forever blessed by his steady love, wisdom, and gentle spirit.

He was a longtime member of New Bridge Baptist Church in Cleveland, where he worshipped and served the Lord he loved.

In addition to his parents, Tommy was preceded in death by his brothers, Paul McConnell, Jr., Frank McConnell, Louie McConnell, and William McConnell; and his sisters, Willie Mae McConnell, Lois McConnell, and Jean Underwood.

Left to treasure his memory are his loving wife, Julia Poole McConnell; children, Rita Smith (Doug Beavers) and Patricia Harrington (Alan); grandchildren, Gentry Brawner (Cory), Ethan Burton, and Emalee Harrington Sosebee (Dustin); great-grandchildren, Dillon Brawner, Ellarae Brawner, and Samuel Sosebee; sisters, Annie Loudermilk (J.W.) and Mable McCallister (Bruce); sisters-in-law, JoBeth McConnell, Rachel McNabb, Sandra Poole, Jewel Poole, and Linda Chapman (Charles); and brothers-in-law, Kenneth Poole and Johnny Elsner, along with numerous extended family members and friends who loved him dearly.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Monday, February 16, 2026, from the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home with Rev. W.A. Jenkins and Rev. Mike Irvin officiating. Interment will follow in the Union Hill Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 15, 2026.

Flowers are accepted or memorials may be made to Gideon’s International, c/o Habersham North Camp, P.O. Box 1855, Clarkesville, GA. 30523

An online guest registry is available for the McConnell family at www.mcgaheegriffinandmcentire.com.

McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706-778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.