Joel Thomas McConnell

Joel “Papa Joe” Thomas McConnell, age 87, of Valley Grande, Alabama, passed away on May 15, 2025. He was born on December 30, 1937, in Electric Mills, Mississippi. Known to friends and family simply as “Joe,” he was the oldest of three children born to Joel Wellington and Mary McConnell.

Raised in a family of farmers, Joe became the first in his family to attend college, graduating from Auburn University. Following his graduation, he began a career with International Paper Company, where he also founded Riverdale Credit Union. After taking early retirement, Joe launched his own consulting business in the pulp and paper industry—a venture his youngest son, Joel Kristopher McConnell, joined after graduating from Auburn.

During these prosperous years, Joe and his beloved wife of 58 years, Helen McConnell, traveled across the United States, working at paper mills and exploring the country together.

Joe had a deep and abiding faith in God that was evident in how he lived his life and raised his family. Joe was deeply devoted to the Lord and found great joy in studying biblical prophecy, the Old Testament, Bible history, and nurturing a heartfelt love for Israel. He enjoyed working with his hands and personally built the home in which he and Helen resided until his passing. His love for his family shaped everything he did, and he treasured every moment spent with them.

He was preceded in death by his father, Joel Wellington McConnell; his mother, Mary McConnell; and his sister, Faye Whitley.

Joe is survived by his devoted wife, Helen McConnell; his sons, Steven McConnell (Elizabeth Frances Noble) and Joel Kristopher (Andrea Vega) McConnell; grandsons, Joel Colin McConnell, Aidan Kristopher McConnell, and Finn Thomas McConnell; granddaughter, Esmee Grace McConnell; special daughters, Angelica McConnell Bernie and Andrea Vega McConnell; brother, Oliver "Kit" (Tippy) McConnell.

The family is also especially grateful that Joe’s oldest son, Steven McConnell, was able to take significant time away from work and make countless trips across the country to be by his side and offer support throughout his transition. They are also deeply thankful for their dear friends, R.C. and Delaine Oglesby, whose selfless help—whether assisting with doctor visits, sitting with Papa Joe, or caring for the home—meant more than words can express.

A celebration of Joe’s life will be Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Valley Grande Baptist Church, with Bro. Pastor Caleb Winningham officiating . In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Valley Grande Baptist Church; 48 Co Rd 16, Valley Grande, AL 36701.

Joe’s spirit and laughter will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His unwavering devotion to the Lord and his enduring faith that he would one day be with Him in Heaven serve as both comfort and inspiration to the family and friends he leaves behind.

“Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” —Luke 23:43