Heyward Ross “Bub” McConnell

Heyward Ross “Bub” McConnell, aged 88, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2024, in Mauldin, South Carolina.

He was born on October 5, 1935, in Spartanburg, South Carolina to the late Ross Blake McConnell and Evelyn Dillingham McConnell-Hellams.

Bub was a proud resident of the Greenville community where he lived for most of his life. Growing up he was especially close to his Aunt, Mary “Mam” Dillingham Locke, his Uncle, Heyward Dillingham, and his cousin Locke Dixon Barkley. He graduated from Carlisle Military School in Bamberg, South Carolina and later attended Presbyterian College in Clinton, South Carolina. He served in the Army Reserves during the Korean War.

Bub owned and managed the Greenville property management firm “Hellams Agency” on Irvine Street for 40 years. He was a devout member of St. Michael’s Lutheran Church where he volunteered in many different roles over the years. He also enjoyed his service on the SC State Board of Mental Health, a cause very important to him.

In addition to his career and volunteerism, Bub enjoyed many of the good things that life has to offer including playing golf, shag dancing to beach music, playing bridge, and rooting for the Presbyterian College “Blue Hose” and Clemson Tiger football teams. He loved beach vacations at Pawleys Island, spending time at their place at Lake Hartwell, and his dog, Sugar.

Bub believed his greatest accomplishments in life were the love of his wife and raising his boys. He is survived by the following loving family members, his wife of 53 years, Sue Gamble Little McConnell; his seven sons, Ross Blake McConnell (Diana), James Hemphill McConnell (Laura), Christopher Heyward McConnell, Patrick Montague McConnell (Michelle), Geoff Blair Little, Edward Spencer Little (Laura), and John Chambers Little; his ten grandchildren, Ross B. McConnell, Jr., Vincent H. McConnell, Mitchell H. McConnell (Aislinn), Alexander O. McConnell, Mary M. McConnell, Lindsay B. Little, Patrick S. Little, Evan P. McConnell, Gabrielle M. McConnell, and Ryann J. McConnell; and his two great grandchildren, Evelyn R. McConnell and Corrine E. McConnell.

A funeral service and interment will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2024, 2:00 p.m. at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church. A reception following at the church.

Those wishing to honor his life, in lieu of flowers, may choose to make a donation in his name to Gateway House by mailing to P.O. Box 4241, Greenville, SC 29608 or by visiting www.gateway-sc.org.

We will never forget you Bub, Dad, PaPa. You will live on in our memories forever.