Rev. Connell “Connie” Roger Ghormley, Jr. peacefully passed from this life at the age of 88 on December 17, 2024, in Ft. Worth, TX, surrounded by his family. A memorial service for Connie will be held in Tahlequah, OK in the Spring, date and time TBD.
Connie was born on October 26, 1936, in Warner, OK, the younger child of Lillie Lee (Houghton) Ghormley and Connell Roger Ghormley, Sr. Connie grew up in Tahlequah, OK. He was proud of his Cherokee roots and the contributions that the Ghormley family made to the Tahlequah community. After graduating from Tahlequah High School in 1954, Connie attended Northeastern State University. He began his career in ministry by serving as a pastor while still in college. At NSU, Connie would meet his partner in life, Patricia Ann Harris of Muskogee, OK. Connie graduated from NSU in 1958 with a degree in History, and continued his education at Southern Methodist University, receiving a Master of Divinity degree from Perkins School of Theology in 1961. His first appointment as an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church was in Braman, OK in June 1961. Connie and Pat were married a few weeks later at Honor Heights UMC in Muskogee, OK, on July 21, 1961.
Connie and Pat moved frequently during those early years as Connie’s career in the church took them to towns across Oklahoma. Their family was also growing during this time, as they welcomed Melanie in Braman, Melissa in Collinsville, and Michael in Stillwater. Connie and Pat instilled in their children a love of learning, and a desire to expand their horizons through education and experiences. The family traveled whenever and however they could; from pulling a beat-up camper through the Rockies behind the family station wagon, to a pulpit exchange with a minister in Teignmouth, England. The defining characteristics of Connie’s life were his love for his family and his commitment to serving others. He particularly enjoyed working with the youth of his churches, often serving as a camp counselor or chaperoning church sponsored trips.
Connie retired in 2002 after 45 years and 11 churches, including serving as the senior pastor at Sapulpa First United Methodist Church from 1984-1991. His final appointment was at Muskogee First United Methodist Church. He and Pat moved back to Tahlequah where they continued their personal mission of service by volunteering with the programs Help in Crisis and Feed My Sheep. Connie and Pat were also active in their Sunday School at Tahlequah FUMC, exploring complex questions of faith and spirituality. During the 20 years they lived in Tahlequah, their home continued to be a place of comfort and peace for their children, grandchildren, and many other family members and friends.
Connie is survived by his wife of 63 years, Patricia Harris Ghormley, of Ft. Worth, TX, and their children, Melanie Ghormley Harston (Bryan), of Southlake, TX, Melissa Ghormley Mattes (Peter), of Centreville, VA, and Michael Ghormley (Kellie), of Cedar Park, TX. Connie is also survived by 7 grandchildren; Alexander Mattes (Tonya), Nicholas Mattes (Suttida), Naomie Harston, Grace Mattes, Sophie Harston, Sarah Ghormley, and Zachary Ghormley; 3 great-grandchildren; Liliana, Nathaniel, and Genevieve Mattes; and brother-in-law Roland Harris (Janie). Connie was preceded in death by his father, Connell Roger Ghormley, Sr., his mother, Lillie Houghton Ghormley, his sister, Marilyn Ghormley Nichols, and her husband, Bill Nichols.
