John Marcus Connally Jr., age 88, of Plano, Texas, passed away on Friday, December 25, 2020. He was born on February 29, 1932, in Manchester, Georgia, the oldest of six children, to Nellie (Raines) and John Marcus Connolly Sr. John grew up in Griffin, Georgia, where he played football and baseball. He earned his Bachelor of Finance Degree from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, where he played football and was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. John proudly served his country in the United States Navy and fought in the Korean War.
He served as city councilman in Richardson, Texas. John helped develop the Richardson Sports Association and enjoyed coaching Little League football. He was a campaign chairman for Wayne Connally, a life insurance and annuity business for over 50 years. John was a lifelong member of Toastmasters Club and President of NAIFA in 2011. He was an original member since 1980 of Custer Road United Methodist Church.
John married the love of his life, Erna Lee, and they enjoyed 37 years of marriage before her sudden passing in 2010. They had one daughter, Jaelyn Connally Whorton, and her husband, Brad. Their son, Cooper, is the only grandchild and was John’s buddy. John also had two daughters from a previous marriage, Kelle Connally Horie of Plano, and Katie Guthrie and her husband, Dan, of Dallas, Texas; also survived by his sister, Peggy Piper of Georgia; and his brother, Bo Connally, of Puerto Rico; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all those who knew him.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Nellie and John Connally Sr., his wife, Erna Connally, his brother, Butch Connally, and his sisters, Betty Jo Smith and Jean Connally.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to the Seekers Class: Erna Connally Scholarship Fund at Custer Road United Methodist Church or to the Griffin High School Football Scholarship.