NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Lew Conner, a former student-athlete and member of the Vanderbilt Athletics Hall of Fame, whose philanthropic spirit influenced generations of golfers, has died at the age of 87. His contributions exemplified the enduring connections that define the Vanderbilt experience.
Conner’s journey at Vanderbilt began with his participation in the men’s golf team from 1957 to 1960, where he was recognized as one of Coach Frank Thorsey’s “capable men.” However, his role as a student-athlete served merely as a starting point for a passion that lasted over six decades. He dedicated himself to supporting Vanderbilt Athletics and golf, the very elements that brought him to Nashville.
At the Vanderbilt Legends Club, home to the prestigious men’s and women’s golf teams, Conner’s legacy is honored through the Conner Family Hitting Bays and the Cleo and Lewis Conner, Sr. Short Game Practice Facility. His passionate and generous efforts over the past twenty years significantly contributed to the teams’ successes, resulting in an extraordinary era under the leadership of Thomas F. Roush, M.D., and coaches Scott Limbaugh and Greg Allen.
In 2023, Conner and his wife Ashley, BA’60, joined other former student-athletes and Hall of Fame inductees in making significant contributions to the Vandy United project, including the newly established Anthony Family Golf Team House, a state-of-the-art facility for men’s and women’s golf student-athletes.
“Vanderbilt golf has always been close to my heart,” Conner remarked during the time of the gift. “My experience as a student-athlete profoundly shaped my life, and Ashley and I are proud to support the student-athletes who continue to advance the program.”
Conner’s passion for golf resonated throughout the regional golf community. Inducted into the Tennessee Golf Hall of Fame in 2010, he held key positions as a director and president of the Tennessee Golf Association and was instrumental in creating the Tennessee Golf Foundation, which promotes junior golf, amateur championships, and player development.
Beyond his athletic achievements, Conner, a Double Dore with a law degree, became a prominent attorney in Nashville and served on the Tennessee Court of Appeals and later as special chief justice of the Tennessee Supreme Court. He was honored with inductions into both the Vanderbilt Athletics Hall of Fame in 2017 and the Tennessee Golf Hall of Fame in 2010.
Originally from Chattanooga, Conner’s commitment to Nashville deepened over the years. He significantly contributed to various community initiatives, including the Music City Bowl and Nashville Sports Council, and held leadership roles in the National Commodore Club. For over 60 years, he worked tirelessly to ensure that future Vanderbilt student-athletes could benefit from their experiences, emphasizing the importance of giving back to the institution that shaped his life.
