Mr. Clarence Austin Conner, age 86, of Tanner Street, Rutherfordton, died Tuesday, October 6, 2009 at Hospice House in Forest City, NC A native of Ohio and WW II veteran, he was the son of the late Furman Washington Conner and Cora Belle McCurry and was a former purchasing agent for Collins and Aikman in Canton, Ohio. Survivors include one daughter Madelyn Conner Van Voorhis; three sons, Mark Wayne Conner, William Lester Conner and Curtis Lloyd Conner; three grandchildren and other relatives. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Billie Opal Conner and his eldest son, Gary Allen Conner. Arrangements are incomplete at this time. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to Hospice of Rutherford County, PO Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043.