Benedict Yates McConnell ’51

Benedict Yates McConnell ’51, formerly of Wilkesboro, N.C., died unexpectedly on March 20, 2006. Born in Gastonia, N.C., on Oct. 30, 1929, he was the son of the late Dr. Harvey Russell McConnell and Ruby Yates McConnell. McConnell spent most of his working career with Lowe’s Companies, Inc., in store management and, later, in human resources. He was an active Presbyterian church member in the cities in which he lived, an exuberant Boy Scout leader during his sons’ youth, and an avid supporter of several animal protection organizations. McConnell is survived by his beloved wife and friend of 55 years, Margaret Holmes McConnell; son, Franklin Y. McConnell (Zia) and sons, Brighton and Forrest; son, F. Lee McConnell (Charlotte) and daughter, Katie, and son, Austin; son, Alan H. McConnell (Sharon) and daughter, Anna, and son, Yates; and son, Clayton R. McConnell (Libby) and son, Ian, and daughter, Clare. Also surviving is his sister, Sally M. Robinson. His brother, Harvey R. McConnell ’49 of Midhurst, England, passed away April 10.