Leslie David 'Les' Conner

Tega Cay, SC Leslie David "Les" Conner, 67, of Tega Cay, SC passed away at his home surrounded by his family on Saturday, December 21, 2013 after a short battle with melanoma. He was born on August 27, 1946, in Caroleen, NC, to the late Burl D. and Grace H. Conner. After graduating from Chase High School, he completed his B.S. Degree in Textiles at North Carolina State University in 1968. Les was a veteran of Vietnam and served in the Navy as a signal officer from 1968 - 1972. In addition to completing post graduate work at Clemson University, NC State and Oklahoma State University, he was certified as a Registered Environmental Manager with the National Registry of Environmental Professionals. After 34 years of successful service with Hoechst-Celanese, Les retired as the Site Director for the Shelby, NC facility. Les was an involved community member serving on City Council from 2005 - 2010 and as Mayor Pro Tempore in 2006 and 2007. Additionally, he served as a Board Member on Tega Cay Area Chamber of Commerce, Catawba Regional Council of Governments and York County Travel and Tourism and as a Member on York County Government Relations Taskforce, York County Cultural and Heritage Museum and Tega Cay Lions Club. He was also the State Instructor for AARP Tax Preparation Volunteer Service and the District Coordinator for the Piedmont region. While living in Shelby, NC, he was active in the Cleveland County Chamber of Commerce, served as Chairman of the Board for Communities in Schools of Cleveland County, served on the allocation committee for the United Way of Cleveland County and participated in the Mentor program at Township #3 Elementary School. Les was instrumental in the Carolina Motor Madness fundraising event for the Tega Cay Lions which helped to provide scholarships for students in need. His favorite hobby was restoring old vehicles. He restored the truck he got his license in his Dad's 49 Chevy pickup, a project that took him four years. He was also a dedicated and loving husband, father and grandfather. He is greatly loved and will be forever missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Kay Pace Conner; three daughters, Kristen Dodds, Kelly Grier and husband Jason, and Heather Rogers; and son, Josh Conner; as well as his sister, Emily Byers and husband Roger. He also leaves behind his adoring grandchildren, Abby and Carson Grier, Jack Dodds, and Cullen Rogers. Family will receive friends on Thursday, December 26, 2013, from 2 - 4 pm at Palmetto Funeral Home in Fort Mill, SC, followed by a memorial service. A celebration of life for Les will be held at the Glennon Center in Tega Cay at 6 pm, all are welcome. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or to the Cancer Research Institute. Condolences may be made to the family at www.palmettofh.com.

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