James Edgar McConnell, Jr. James Edgar McConnell, Jr., 86, of Columbus, MS passed away, Sunday, March 11, 2012 at his residence. Visitation for Mr. McConnell will be Wednesday, March 14, 2012 from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM at Lowndes Funeral Home, Columbus, MS. Funeral Services will follow in the Lowndes Funeral Home Chapel at 11:00 AM with Bro. Danny Avery, officiating. Interment will be in Friendship Cemetery, Columbus, MS with Lowndes Funeral Home directing. Mr. McConnell was born February 16, 1926 to the late James Edgar and Inez Allen McConnell in Risco, MO. He was a veteran of the United States Army and in the Merchant Marines. He moved to Columbus in 1954 from Memphis, TN, was a member and deacon of Canaan Baptist Church, Columbus, MS. Mr. McConnell was a member of the Elks and a Civitan. He was past president of Annunciation Catholic School Board and a private pilot. Mr. McConnell retired in 2008 as the business owner of McConnell Brothers Transfer and Storage, Inc. He was married to Vera Reynolds McConnell and loved working in the yard. Mr. McConnell is survived by his wife - Vera McConnell, Columbus, MS, daughter - Leanne (Chris) Hardin, Columbus, MS and son - Kyle (Neva) McConnell, Columbus, MS, step-children - Darlene (Billy) Brownlee, Carrollton, AL and Danny Joe (Teresa) Hickman, Pickensville, AL, sisters - Forrest Grimes - Poplar Bluff, MO, Florence Davis, New Madrid, MO, brother - Bob McConnell, Woodlands, TX, Grandchildren - Jayce Hardin, , Suzy (Tyler) Robertson, Mallory Hardin, Casey McConnell, Morgan Hardin, Emily McConnell, step-grandchildren - Jed Hickman, Steven Brownlee, Jamie Clark, Jacklyn Humphries, Jolyn Robertson and 6 great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Tyler Robertson, Chad Thomas, Jayce Hardin, Steven Brownlee, Jed Hickman, Chad Robertson, Shane Humphries. Honorary Pallbearers will be Wayne West, David Nelson, Kala White, Former & Current Employees of McConnell Brothers, Deacons of Canaan Baptist Church and Nephews. Memorials may be made to Annunciation Catholic School Endowment, 223 North Browder Street, Columbus, MS 39702 and Canaan Baptist Church, 1008 Lehmberg Rd, Columbus, MS 39702.