Ernest E. Conner, Sr. ("Tinker"), age 79, of Greenville, VA, passed away at his home on Saturday, May 9, 2026.  Born August 10, 1946, he was the son of the late Homer P. and Mary Potter Conner.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Linda Ann (Bosserman) Conner, and a brother, Clarence Layton Conner.

Tinker is survived by his son, Ernest "Ernie Conner, Jr. and his wife, Lisa; siblings, Rosie Conner Bosserman and her husband, Bobby of Greenville, and Homer Paul ("Junior") Conner, Jr. of Greenville; his grandchildren, Sarah Thomas and her husband, Justin, Hannah Falls and her husband, Clay, and Lily Conner; great-grandchildren, Rona, Keldan, Maeve Thomas, their unborn sibling, and Emery Falls; and his special great-niece and great-nephew, Natalie and Tyler Shifflett.

Tinker had many hobbies, including playing and teaching his grandchildren how to play the guitar.  He enjoyed singing and spending time with his family, whom he loved dearly.  He loved fishing and enjoyed spending time in Tennessee with his wife, Linda.  He was a great storyteller with a vivid imagination.  He loved to sit and draw.  Tinker got his nickname from his mother, who said he was always tinkering with something.  He visited many churches and played music.  He truly enjoyed making people laugh and telling funny stories. He was loved by many and never met a stranger.

Tinker logged all of his life and worked alongside his brother-in-law, Bobby Bosserman, and his son, Ernie Conner.  He taught Ernie everything he knew about logging.  He was a godly, caring, funny, and hard working man.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Thursday, May 14, 2026 at Faith Worship Center, 2522 Tinkling Spring Rd, Stuarts Draft, VA  24477.

A funeral service will be conducted at 12:00 pm on Friday, May 15, 2026 also at Faith Worship Center, 2522 Tinkling Spring Rd, Stuarts Draft, VA  24477.  Rev. Dennis Bradley and Pastor Larry Strickler will officiate.

Burial will follow at Greenville United Methodist Church Cemetery, 126 Main St, Greenville, VA 24440.

Pallbearers will be Jerry Dale Allen, Clay Falls, Caleb DePriest, Timmy Conner, Zachary Conner, and Clint Conner.

The family wishes to extend their appreciation to Dr. Rob Marsh and the staff of Middlebrook Family Medicine/Raphine Medical Associates, daughter-in-law, Lisa Conner, sister-in-law, Faye ("Minner") Bowling, and niece, Phyllis Shifflett, for their loving care.