Hugh Douglas Connell, II

Captain Hugh Douglas Connell, II Born in Chicago, Illinois in October 1947, Doug was the son of Hugh D. and Priscilla Wells Connell. He graduated from Yale University in 1969, the Naval War College in 1980 and Salve Regina University in 1989 with degrees in History, Strategic Studies, and International Relations. Doug was a decorated naval officer and pilot who loved family, travel, and the outdoors. He served 28 years in the U.S. Navy, flying attack and fighter aircraft. He flew over 5,300 hours with 1350 landings on eleven different aircraft carriers. Captain Connell commanded squadrons and carrier air wings, with service as Second Fleet Operations Officer during Desert Storm and Sixth Fleet Chief of Staff during Bosnian conflicts in the 1990s. He also served at the Pentagon in senior staff positions in the Office of the Secretary of Defense and on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations. He was awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal, four Legion of Merit Medals, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and the Navy Meritorious Medal, among other individual and unit awards. After retiring from the Navy in 1998, Doug enjoyed a 13-year second career with the defense consulting company, Whitney, Bradley & Brown in Vienna, Virginia, leading projects in Washington, Norfolk, Great Britain, Northern Europe, and the Persian Gulf. He rose to Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer. After retiring from defense consulting, Doug and his wife Kathryn moved to Nellysford, Virginia. There he enjoyed fly fishing and golf, maintaining trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and serving as a docent at Thomas Jefferson's former home at Monticello. Doug was a man who lived his faith, serving as an active Episcopal Church lay minister wherever he was stationed. He also served as vestryman and Senior Warden at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Greenwood, Virginia. He spent the last four years of his life in Newnan, Georgia, where he attended Saint Paul's Episcopal Church. Doug is survived by his wife of 57 years, Kathryn Dodge Connell. He is also survived by his two children, Elizabeth Connell Lewis and Aaron Connell Edge; and four grandchildren, Emily Kathryn McKee, Robert Douglas Pee, Thomas Alexander Pee, and Anderson Wells Pee. Online condolences can be shared by visiting www.mckoon.com. McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory, 770-253-4580

Hugh Douglas Connell, II

October 18, 1947 - July 3, 2026