Connie Inman

COOKEVILLE CHAPEL - Conrad Ray Inman (Connie), age 91, died Wednesday, May 27, at his home in Cookeville one week after a cancer diagnosis. He was packing for the first of two Canadian fishing trips when his illness interrupted.

A celebratory memorial service will be held Friday, June 5, 2026 at 6:00pm at Hooper, Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home in Cookeville, with a visitation from 4:00 to 6:00pm.

Connie was born July 23, 1934, in Camden, Ohio. He played baseball for Miami University, where he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physical education. After serving in the U.S. Army, stationed in Korea after the ceasefire, he taught physical education at Piqua High School in Ohio. Connie married the school’s art teacher, Norma Isenberg. They honeymooned over summer break in Canada, fishing and camping gear strapped atop a red Austin-Healey Sprite.

Connie coached men’s basketball at Dennison High School in Ohio and was men’s head basketball coach at Talawanda High School in Oxford, Ohio, from 1959 to 1965. In 1965, Connie moved his family to Cookeville, where he coached tennis and men’s basketball at Tennessee Tech University. He served as head basketball coach from 1969 to 1976. After leaving Tech, he operated Connie Inman Insurance on the Cookeville square with his wife and son until retirement in 2010.

For decades, Connie made a twice-yearly trip to Little Vermillion Lake in Northwest Ontario to fish for walleye and Northern pike. When reflecting about his life, he often said, “This angler wasn’t cheated.”

Connie was preceded in death by his wife, Norma, his brother, Jim Inman, and his parents, Jim and Goldie Inman. He’s survived by his son Spence and his wife Lori of Cookeville; his son Todd and his wife Tara of Ooltewah; his daughter Allison of Nashville; grandchildren Savannah, Caroline, Dawit, Sarah Jane and Susannah; and special friend Barbara Tolleson.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

Hooper Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111. Share your thoughts and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com.