Timothy Paul Connors, 1954-2024

Timothy Paul Connors of Lakeland, FL died Thursday, May 23. He was born February 7, 1954 to the late Paul T. and Mary L. Connors. He was a retired lieutenant for the City of Lakeland fire department, a graduate of the Firefighters Academy and a trained Emergency Medical Technician.

Tim was a former resident of Lake Wales and a 1972 graduate of Lake Wales High School where he participated in track and football. As an adult he enjoyed golf and participated in numerous leagues and tournaments across Polk County, many times emerging as a winner. He was also an avid Bridge player and member of Lakeland Duplicate Bridge Club but his passion was the Lord. He was always ready to help a friend or a stranger in need. In his final act of generosity he donated he body to Science Care.

Tim was preceded in death by his parents, son Michael, sisters Patricia Schafstall and Beth Griffith, and brother, Vincent.

He is survived by his wife, Charlotte Connors, daughters Stephanie Heidel (Matt) of Bartow, FL, Dr. Sarah Beucher (James) of Rock Valley, Iowa, Rachel Blount (Sean) of Winter Haven, FL, and Kayla Traynham (Thomas) - Lakeland, FL, as well as a son, Joshua Connors (Sam) of Bartow, FL, sisters Jo Ann Romanowski of Fort Meade, FL, Monica Hendricks of Lake City, FL, and Teka Collier (Mark) of Lake Wales, FL, brothers Robert Connors (Susan) and Jerry Connors, both of Lake Wales FL..

He is also survived by eleven grandchildren, including Emily Miller (Daniel), Lexi McGovern (Mike), Garrett Heidel, Charlie Heidel, Abi Heidel, Steven Blount II, Aoife Blount, Emilia Connors, Jonathan Connors, Jeffrey Traynham II, and Everett Traynham.

A Celebration of Life for family and friends will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 1 at the Heart of the Father Ministries, 2025 Bartow Rd, Lakeland. Elder Barry Nichols will officiate. At Tim's wishes a reception luncheon will follow in the church hall.