Earl Thomas Connella Jr. (Tom), was born in Alexandria, LA, on December 10, 1933 to Earl T.Connella, Sr. and Mary Lily Smith. His life began on a family farm alongside his older sister, Marylee, and his two younger brothers, Genie, and Bootsie. Over the course of 92 years his life took many directions, but his passion for the outdoors made him legendary among those who knew him as both a hunter and fisherman.

After graduating from high school in 1953, Tom enlisted in the United States Navy, where he trained as an electrician's mate and earned his captain's coxswain classification. While stationed in Key West aboard the USS Solomon, he gained the nickname "Gator" for his fearless nature, deep-water swimming ability, and talent for catching cough fish to feed the crew.

While on furlough with his Navy buddies, Tom met the love of his life, Mary Etta in Bell, Florida. They married before his discharge from the Navy in 1956.

Tom started his family and began a career with moved their growing family to Gainesville, Florida, where they raised four children and built a life centered around family, fishing, hunting, and the outdoors. Whether camping at his hunting lease or fishing from his jon boat on Newnans Lake.

Tom was happiest outside and was widely known for landing some of the lake's largest bass.

After losing Mary Etta in 2000 following 44 years of marriage, Tom continued his life in Alachua, Florida, surrounded by family, friends, and his beloved Labrador retrievers Jake and Buddy. He especially enjoyed traveling with loved ones to places including Alaska, Africa, California, New York, and the Carolinas.

Tom passed away on May 16, 2026. He is survived by his children and their spouses: Tammy and Dale, Melody and Chris, Shary, and Tommy and Rhonda; seven grandchildren: Craig, Cynthia, Ryan, Spencer, Parker, Amanda, and Dylan; and three great-grandchildren: Sonny, Mitzi, and Maude."

In any event"... Tom was a true original with a larger-than-life personality. He was a tough resourceful man with a gruff exterior, endless repetitive stories, and a jack-of-all-trades. To many he had a penny-pinching practicality that often concealed his generosity. Earl loved deeply in his own unmistakable way and frequently reminded people to, "Believe that or leave it alone."

He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

A small graveside service was held on Tuesday, May 27, 2026.  

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in his name to one of the following: Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida, or St. Judes Children’s Hospital.