Dr. Joseph Donald Connell, age 82, of Friendship, formerly of Dyersburg, passed away Sunday morning at Dyersburg Regional Medical center.

He received his medical degree from UT Memphis in 1956.  He was a physician in pediatric practice and a member of the Dyersburg Methodist Hospital staff for 37 years, where he served in many capacities, including chief-of-staff.  He was a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Northwest Tennessee Medical Society and the A.M.A.  He also had a love of farming.

He served in the United States Air Force from 1957 to 1959 and as Chief of Pediatrics at Moody Air Force Base Hospital in Valdosta, Ga.

He was very involved in the community, as a member of the Dyersburg City School Board for over 30 years, serving the Dyersburg Junior and Senior High Schools' PTA, as well as a Cub Scout leader, a Shriner and a Mason.  He was a long-time member of First Baptist Church in Dyersburg and served as a Deacon, Sunday School teacher, Royal Ambassador Leader and member of the Bible Sunday School Class.

He is preceded in death by his parents, J.T. and Corrinne Connell and his wife, Carol Serr Connell.

He is survived by four children, Don Connell, Jr. of Paducah, Ky., David Connell of St. James, Mo. , Cindy Connell Russell of Dallas, Tx. and Charlene Connell White of Friendship, Tn., a sister, Nancy Crenshaw of Humboldt, Tn. , twelve grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, Jan. 13 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church Worship Center in Dyersburg.

Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, Jan. 14 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church Worship Center, with burial to follow in Halls Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or to the Connell Foundation for McIver's Grant Library in Dyersburg, TN.