Jerry W. Conder. June 10, 1938—April 4, 2026. Jerry Wayne Conder was born in Lewisburg, Tennessee on June 10, 1938, to Ethyl and Cecil Conder. In addition to his parents, Jerry was predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Anna Conder. He is survived by his younger siblings Bettie Camden, Billie Pruitt, and Mike Conder, as well as their children, and a host of dear friends.

The defining relationship of Jerry’s life was his 54-year marriage to Anna (or “Annie” or “Ann”—depending on how much trouble he was in). 54 years of marriage is an almost unheard-of achievement. Jerry and Anna met while he was attending the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and were together until her passing in 2020. Theirs was a true partnership, perhaps best demonstrated on the dance floor—Jerry and Anna were exceptional country and western dancers who, for decades, taught lessons to folks who often became lifelong friends. There is a mean Tennessee two-step unfolding for all to see on the streets of heaven tonight.

The first in his family to attend college, Jerry graduated from UT in 1961 with a bachelor’s degree in food science, with a specialty in dairy production. He also remained a loyal fan of the Vols all his days. After graduation, Jerry was with Velvet Ice Cream in Nashville before moving to Bowling Green, Kentucky and began working at Brown’s Dairy Foods where he held various positions until he retired in 2018. Jerry also served honorably as an officer in the Tennessee Air National Guard, ultimately obtaining the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. To the end, Jerry remained close with friends from each stage of life, from his college roommate to his friend Charlotte Powell who was an unwavering source of support in his final years.

It is rare for four siblings to remain a daily presence in one another’s lives for more than six decades, but that was the case for Jerry, Bettie, Billie, and Mike (Jenny). Through triumph and hardship alike, they stood together. Their story is one of love, loyalty, and family, and each was a defining presence in the lives of the others.

Though Jerry is gone, his memory, his humor, his wit, his wisdom and his grace will live on in the lives and memories of his family and many friends. His was a full life, well lived.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to St. Jude. 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105