Mr. Gerald Conner, age 78, of Morganton, passed away on Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta, GA. He was born on December 25, 1942, in Fannin County, to the late Wilburn Atlas Conner and Grace Elizabeth Conner. Gerald was a member of Grassy Creek Baptist Church. He was a member and Past Master of Ocoee Lodge #201 F&AM and Past Worthy Patron of Morganton Chapter #394 O.E.S. He retired from the United States Forest Service where he worked in Law Enforcement and Timber Sales. Gerald is also preceded in death by his siblings, Lottie Conner, Lynn Conner, Johnnie Lou Conner; grandson, Bryan Thomas; great-granddaughter, Jamie Fisher; and brother-in-law, Mike Walden. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Mary Ann Wright Conner; son, Darrin (special friend-Erica Davenport) Conner; daughter and son-in-law, Beth and Larry Thomas; grandchildren, Amelia (Chad) Fisher, Josh (Sarah) Thomas, Derrick (fiancee-Katrina Byrd) Conner, and Nicholas Conner; great-grandchildren, Connor Fisher, Kaylee Conner, Bennett Thomas; brothers and sisters-in-law, Roy and Gail Conner and Jimmy and Sunshine Conner; sisters and brother-in-law, Linda and Tony Lyons, and Joan Walden. Funeral services were conducted on Sunday, January 31, 2021 from the Akins Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Michael Collis and Rev. Paul Richards officiating. Music was provided by Robert Buchanan. Masonic rites were given by Ocoee Lodge #201 F&AM. Interment followed in Hyde Cemetery. Pallbearers were Barry Thomas, David Miller, Gary Cochran, Darrell Fox, Butch Nix, Nathan Ferguson and Jamie Hensley. Honorary pallbearers were current and former employees of the United States Forest Service. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge was in charge of the arrangements. Visitation Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge Sunday, January 31, 2021 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM 7871 Blue Ridge DriveBlue Ridge, Georgia 30513 Directions Funeral Service Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge Chapel Sunday, January 31, 2021 2:00 PM 7871 Blue Ridge DriveBlue Ridge, GA 30513 Directions