Mr. Hershel “H.C.” Connell, age 83, of Vidalia died Tuesday, September 30, 2014, at Community Hospice of Vidalia after a brief illness.  He was a native of Montgomery County and lived most of his life in Vidalia.

Hershel was an entrepreneur who was diversified in many areas of business.  He was especially noted for his involvement in the origination of T.V. 46 where he was widely known for his programs, “Three Rivers Trading Time” and “Breakfast with Hershel”.  Mr. Connell was a Veteran of the Korean Conflict. He was extremely dedicated to local American Legion Post #97 where he served in many capacities, including Commander and he holds an all-time record for membership recruitment.  Hershel likewise was an active member of the Mt. Vernon Veteran of Foreign Wars and was instrumental in the design and erection of the Veteran of Foreign Wars Memorial at the Montgomery County Courthouse.  He was a member of Bear Creek Baptist Church.

H.C. is preceded in death by his parents, Arizona and Claudie Bell Connell; his daughter, Debbie Connell; his sister, Betty Bryant; and his brother, Arizona Connell Jr.

He is survived by three daughters, Vicky Daniels and husband Tommy of Augusta, Pamela Newsome and husband Harold of Milledgeville and Michele Holloway and husband Bob of Augusta; four brothers, Richard Connell of St. Simons Island, Neal Connell of Vidalia, Bobby Connell of Lyons, and Tommy Connell of Statesboro; three sisters, Nadene Foster of Vidalia, Rebecca Miller of Vidalia and Janice Connell of Soperton; five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Funeral Services for Mr. Hershel “H.C.” Connell will be held Friday, October 3, 2014 at 3:00 PM at Stewart-Rosier Funeral Service Vidalia Chapel with Reverend Owen Waters officiating.  Entombment will follow in Bazel-Connell Cemetery with Military Honors.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 6:00 – 8:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Community Hospice of Vidalia at 904 Mt. Vernon Road, Vidalia GA 30474 or Bear Creek Baptist Church at 1617 Bear Creek Church Road, Mt. Vernon GA 30445.

Stewart-Rosier Funeral Service Vidalia Chapel is in charge of the funeral arrangements.