Richard “Alvis” Connell, age 73, of Falkville, Alabama, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, February 16, 2022.
Alvis was born in Cullman, Alabama on March 19, 1948 to Thomas Francis and Sally Savannah Connell. For the majority of his working career, he worked as a plasterer contractor.
A star high school basketball player for the West Point Warriors, Alvis earned the honor of All-State as a Senior in 1966. He was selected as an All-Tournament player in eight invitational tournaments and played in two state tournaments. During his high school career, Alvis started in 95 varsity games, amassing a 73-22 record and averaging 14 points per game. In 2010, he was inducted into the Cullman County Sports Hall of Fame.
Visitation will be 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Friday, February 18, 2022 at Cullman Funeral Home. The funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 19. Visitation for Saturday will be 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at Mt. Zion UMC Cemetery. Will Weir will officiate.
Cullman Funeral Home is honored to serve the Connell family.
Alvis is survived by his wife of 18 years: Barbara Connell; daughter: Bridget Connell; stepdaughters: Shauna Finley (Michael) and Paula Bryan (Keith); stepson: Norman Dillard; brother: Byron Connell (Marion); sister: Sharon Williams (Tommy); sister: Karon Smith (Mark); sister: Freida Calvert (Ed); sister: Samantha Welch; step-grandchildren: Ryan (Jessie) and Jeremy (Kelly) James, Brett (Ally) Finley, Amanda Plakk, Benjamin, Lana and Emily Bryan, Kelcey, Ty, Cole and TJ Dillard and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends. Alvis was secure in his relationship with his Lord.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Thomas Francis Connell and Sally Savannah Marks; a sister: Lyndia Gail Harris; brother-in-law: Ray Harris and brother: Sherel Connell.
Pallbearers include Ronnie Heaton, Alton Sullins, Alan Jennings, Tommy Williams, Mark Smith and Patrick Smith. The remainder of his West Point High School basketball teammates will serve as honorary pallbearers.
Donations can be made in Alvis’s name to the Alabama Kidney Foundation at 265 Riverchase Parkway East, Suite 106 Hoover, AL 35244 or to the American Diabetes Association at P.O. Box 7023 Merrifield, VA 22116-7023.
