Howard Condrey

Howard Condrey, 70, of Newport, North Carolina, left us too soon on August 16, 2026. Born in Richmond, Virginia, Howard lived a life defined by adventure, family, friendship, craftsmanship, generosity, and an unwavering passion for the open road.

Howard dedicated his career as Construction Superintendent in Virginia and North Carolina with Clancy and Theys Construction for 30 years. His work on the Virginia Beach oceanfront stands to reflect his dedication and craftsmanship. He was an advocate of workplace safety and highly conscientious of preserving natural habitat the best he could.

Howard was skilled in carpentry, electrical work, masonry, and mechanics. With an engineer’s mind and craftsman hands, Howard could design, and he could build and repair anything. This man of well-rounded talents was a phenomenal dancer. Folks would stand back to watch Howard’s agility and finesse as he and his partner would spin around the dance floor to the Texas Two-Step. He also had a green-thumb, he was dedicated to nurturing his vegetables and flowers, some he would make lovely bouquets with to appreciate inside the home.

Howard was a lifetime Harley Owners Group (HOG) member since 2005. He was active in HOG chapters in Virginia Beach, Tidewater, and New Bern and served in numerous leadership roles. He was the founder of the New Bern Harley Riders (NBHR), a group of more than 600 riders who became an extended family to him.

Howard loved leading rides and introducing people to the joy of the open road. A “quick lunch run” with Howard could easily become a 200-mile adventure filled with back roads, laughter, and a stop for ice cream. He was intrigued by his surroundings and organized rides to state parks, museums, historic sites, covered bridges, quirky destinations that’d open our minds. Combining his love of motorcycles with his dedication to charitable causes he organized events to help others, including the Kennedy Annual Toy Run in North Carolina.

Howard found his truest sense of freedom on his motorcycle. He explored this continent from corner to corner, traversing the rugged wilderness of Alaska, walking Nova Scotia’s shores, enjoying Key West sunsets, and experiencing the beauty of California and beyond. His travels reflected who he was at his core: curious, adventurous, open-hearted and eager to experience all that life has to offer.

On his 70th birthday Howard did not want presents or attention - he quietly chose to challenge himself by completing an official extreme motorcycle event of riding 1,500 miles within 24 hours. He accomplished this. It was rewarding to him to know he could do this. Later he pursued his ultimate motorcycle adventure as Rider #1246 in the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge, taking on an 11,000-mile journey across multiple states without a GPS, relying on paper maps, directions, determination, and grit.

Howard was the son of Gerald Leroy Condrey and Bertha Mable Corson, both of Richmond, VA. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Mildred Lois Miller, and his nephew Keith Darrell Condrey.

He is survived by his wife Anne Darby Condrey; his children, Becky Lynn Ashley (Tory Tingen), son David, stepson Joshua Quillen; his 5 beloved grandchildren, CJ Ashley Jr. (Angel), Jacob Ashley (Natalie), Kelly Bailey (Jared), Zachary Ashley (Madison), Zachary Tingen; 11 great-grandchildren, his brother Gerald, nieces, nephews, and his beloved pets Tallulah “kitty cat”, and Shelby.

Howard was a humble man who will be remembered as a loving family man, mentor, leader, craftsman, and friend. He was a generous soul whose enthusiasm was contagious and whose willingness to help others leaves a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to have known him. Howard touched countless lives. His spirit will live on in every winding back road, every long ride, every garden that grows, and every shared laugh and scoop of ice cream along the way.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to the Kennedy Home for Children in Kinston, North Carolina. Donations may be made here. Please reference NBHR 1246 in the gift note to honor Howard’s memory and final journey. Donations may also be made to Ride MS here. 

A celebration of Howard’s life and a final honor ride will be announced by the family.

May the road rise up to meet you, Howard. Rest in peace.

Condolences and life tributes may be sent to the family at www.noefs.net

Arrangements by Noe Funeral Service, Inc. of Beaufort, NC.