Jacob “Jake” Gray Conner, born March 14, 1977 in Bowling Green, Ky., passed away peacefully in Charleston, S.C. on Jan. 6, 2022 surrounded by his family. 

Jacob led a full life, including his recent move to the shores of Charleston, South Carolina, fulfilling a life-long dream of living at the beach. In addition, Jake enjoyed studying the paranormal. He was a member of several different car clubs, and had just began a new adventure in the collectible trading card industry.

He was the son of his dedicated mother, Kristin Jordan Conner. He is survived by his sister and brother in law, Katrina and Tim Vess of Knoxville, nieces and nephew Zachary Warren Vess, wife Danielle Vess, Kristin Joanne Vess, and Hannah Grace Vess, great-niece and nephews Brooklynn Fields, Noah Fields, Major Vess, Baker Vess, and Lane Vess, aunts and uncles Bill (Will) Jordan, Jane Parkerton, Greg and Drendy Summers, and Bill Feekes. Jake will be missed by many beloved cousins and dear friends.

Jacob is preceded in death by his father Billy Gray Conner, grandparents Willie Albert Jordan, Willie Bea Jordan, Grady Estel Conner, and Rosie Lee Conner, aunt and uncles Cindy Feekes, Wendell Conner, and Prosper Parkerton.

Jake will be greatly missed by his beloved service dog and best friend, Annabel Lee. Jacob’s wishes were to be cremated. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his name to Warren County Animal Control and Adoption Center 169 Paws Trail, McMinnville, TN 37110. 

Thank Heaven! The crisis, 

The danger, is passed

And the lingering illness 

Is over at last-

And the fever called “living”

Is conquered at last. - Edgar Allan Poe

Southern Standard

(McMinnville, Tenn.) Jan. 12, 2022