Tommy Raphael Connella

Tommy Raphael “TR” Connella was born June 28, 1933 in Texarkana, Texas. He entered Paradise with his Lord and Savior on November 9, 2023. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Connella; his mother, Gertrude Keller Simmons; his father, Michael Connella; stepfather, Horace Simmons; sister, Elizabeth Ann Barton; and great-grandson, Barrett Anthony Boggs.

Tommy is survived by his three sons, Mark Connella and wife, Cheryl; Dwayne Connella and wife, Patty; Chad Connella and wife, Karla; brothers, Dana Simmons, and Michael Connella III; and sister, Genevieve Connella Hairston.

He was Paw Paw Ray to eight grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and a host of loving relatives. Tommy loved being a member of Summer Grove Baptist Church, especially his Sunday School class and membership in the Joy Choir. Over the years, he enjoyed traveling, hunting, and fishing all over the great country. One of his last favorite trips was to Israel. RV life was enjoyable to him and Mary, and he served as an officer in the Good Sam Travel Club.  

Tommy served on the Shreveport Fire Department for 32 years and cherished all his time and relationships there. He retired as District Chief. He later worked at Willis-Knighton Shots for Tots and was honored to serve as a Gideon distributing Bibles. He also had a hobby shop where he enjoyed building furniture and decorative items of wood.

Visitation will be 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. with a Celebration of Life Service to follow at 10:30 a.m. located at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Dr., Shreveport, Louisiana on Tuesday, November 14, 2023. Officiating the service will be Dr. Murry Hodge. Interment will be held at a later date at Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, 7970 Mike Clark Rd. in Keithville, Louisiana on Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. officiated by Brother Mike Stowell.

Honoring Tommy as pallbearers will be Nicholas Connella, Ryan Connella, Walker Boggs, Dylan Eastepp, Jonathan Murphy, and Kent Eason. The family would like to thank the Northwest Louisiana Veterans Home and Regional Hospice for their loving care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, you may donate to Summer Grove Chest of Joash, Barrett's Bears Ministry, or Gideons International.