Colonel (Retired) Bruce Wayne Condrey, 75, of Sparta, Tennessee, passed away at home on Tuesday, June 30, 2026.
Born on April 5, 1951, in Rutherfordton, North Carolina, Bruce lived a life defined by service to his country, to his Lord, to his church, and most deeply to his family. He was a man of faith, discipline, conviction, and generosity, and he gave himself fully to the people and purposes he loved.
Bruce proudly served in the United States Army, rising to the rank of Colonel during a distinguished 29-year military career. A former U.S. Army Signal Corps officer and combat veteran, he served his country in Panama, the Gulf War in Kuwait and Iraq, and Afghanistan. His awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Ledion of Merit, Bronze Star, Ranger Tab, Master Parachutist Badge with bronze star, and 75thRanger Regiment combat patch. After retiring from active duty in 2003, Bruce continued to serve the defense mission as a contractor and senior executive, including serving as Senior Vice President of US Falcon, Inc.
Bruce’s service did not end with the Army. After moving to Sparta in retirement, he continued to pour his life into ministry, church leadership at First Baptist Church Sparta, and the work of The Gideons International. Those who knew Bruce knew that his faith was not simply something he professed; it was how he lived. He believed service should be humble, steady, and sincere. He carried himself with the strength of a soldier and the heart of a servant. Whether leading troops, teaching Scripture, encouraging a church, mentoring a friend, or sitting with his family, Bruce brought presence, purpose, and quiet conviction.
Bruce loved his family with the same devotion that shaped every other part of his life. He and his beloved wife, Lea Parrett Condrey, shared 53 years of marriage, partnership, ministry, and faithfulness. Together, they built a life centered on family, service, and love. He was a devoted father to Jason and Jessica, a proud father-in-law to Meagan and Aaron, and a deeply loved grandfather to six grandchildren who were among the great joys of his life: Parker Wells, Josephine Condrey, Sawyer Condrey, Griffin Wells, Jayme Condrey, and Vivian Condrey. To his grandchildren, Bruce was an example of integrity, faith in daily life, and unconditional love for family.
Bruce is survived by his wife, Lea Parrett Condrey; his son, Jason Condrey and wife Meagan; his daughter, Jessica Wells and husband Aaron; his grandchildren, Parker Wells, Sawyer Condrey, Josephine Condrey, Griffin Wells, Jayme Condrey, and Vivian Condrey; his sister, Susan Radford and husband Chuck; and his sister-in-law, Carol Condrey. He is also survived by extended family, church family, Gideon brothers and sisters, military colleagues, and friends around the world whose lives were touched by his faith and service.
He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Condrey; his mother, Gloria Hess Condrey; and his brother, Joseph Condrey.
Bruce’s life was a testimony to duty, faith, and love. He served his nation with honor, his Lord with obedience, and his family with devotion. His legacy will live on in the Scriptures he helped place, the people he encouraged, the family he cherished, and the faith he devotedly lived.
Pallbearers:
Parker Wells
Griffin Wells
Sawyer Condrey
Joseph Condrey Jr.
Lucas Parrett
Steven Young
Family will be receiving friends on Sunday, July 5, 2026, from 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM at First Baptist Church with a funeral service to follow at 5:00 PM.
Interment will take place at Oak Lawn Memorial Cemetery on Monday, July 6, 2026, at 10:00 AM.
