Don Conner, Lifelong Wood Flooring Industry Veteran, Dies At 75

James Donald “Don” Conner Jr., a major influence in the wood flooring industry for 44 years, died Oct. 28, at the age of 75.

Conner began in the industry working at his family’s floor covering business, Conner Tile & Floor Covering Company. He was also a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, serving from 1966–1972 with a tour in Vietnam. Conner went on to work for Harris Tarkett as VP of research and development and later joined Mullican Flooring as director of product research and development, as well as director of training.

Conner also served on the National Wood Flooring Association’s board of directors, contributing to the development of the NWFA’s Installation and Sand & Finish Guidelines and the establishment of the NWFA Certified Professionals program.

In 2013, Conner announced his retirement from the industry, where he was also known for his sense of humor. As a 2013 profile noted, “In addition to his expansive knowledge about wood flooring, Conner is best known for his cheerful demeanor and bad jokes, which are myriad. Looking back over a lifetime in the wood flooring industry, he says he was fortunate to be able to make a career out of something he loved doing in an industry with such wonderful relationships. ‘The real jewel of our industry is not the industry; it's the people,’ he said.”

Conner is survived by his wife, Melissa Maddox Conner, his mother, two children, two stepchildren and nine grandchildren. 

Click here to view the full online obituary.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, Nov. 2, from 1–4:00 p.m. at the Johnson City Country Club in Johnson City, Tenn.

Don Conner (front center) at the 2021 NWFA Expo in Orlando pictured with fellow wood floor pros who had also been instructors at the NOFMA Installation School. Front row (left to right): Wayne Lee, Conner, Bob Moffett. Center row (left to right): Keith Waldrop, Daniel Boone. Back row (left to right): Janet Sullivan, Diana Gurley.