A Lasting Legacy

Bruce Windham leaves a lasting impact as a father, community member, and church leader.

Words by Micah Harrison | Images courtesy of the Windham Family

Bruce Windham's story is one of humble beginnings, unwavering dedication, and a profound legacy.

Born the eighth and final child of sharecropping coal miner Albert Windham and homemaker Vivian Windham, Bruce's upbringing was characterized by the modesty of the family's two-bedroom home and the toil on a farm in the Thach community. This lifestyle laid the foundation for Bruce's lifelong values of hard work and resilience.

Bruce attended Thach School until the eighth grade, then moved to Walker County High School, where he graduated in 1969. After a stint at Jasper's Walker College, Bruce followed some friends to The University of Alabama, where, against the odds of financial constraints, he graduated with a bachelor's degree in business administration in 1973.

While earning his degree, Bruce crossed paths with Sheila Ann Odom, a girl he knew from back home. Their connection, rooted in a shared hometown, blossomed into a marriage in July 1973, and the newlyweds returned home to Walker County to begin their lives together.

Bruce's professional ascent began modestly at Top Dollar Stores, where he implemented a new inventory system. But his ambition and determination saw him achieve a long-held goal of joining coal mining giant, Drummond Company, in February 1975. He started in the field weighing trucks and was eventually promoted to a position where he oversaw permitting. In this role, he became familiar with the state regulatory agencies and their protocols. The expertise he gained in the field led to his promotion to Executive Vice President of Governmental Affairs, a role usually reserved for lawyers, but Bruce's experience helped him excel in the new position.

During his time at Drummond, Bruce was chosen as the company's representative to the Walker County Chamber of Commerce. There, he served on the executive board for many years and was elected to a term as president. During his time with the Chamber, Bruce attended Leadership Walker County, which served as a gateway to giving back to the community that had given so much to him. Skills and connections formed during his participation with the Leadership Walker County program led Bruce to serve on the Jasper Planning and Zoning Commission, Jasper Industrial Development Board, Tennessee Tombigbee Waterway Authority, and various other boards and commissions throughout the state.

At the heart of Bruce's life, however, was his family. On two occasions, Drummond offered to cover the cost for Bruce to earn his master's in business administration. Both times, he declined because he knew it would take away time that he could spend with his sons, Jeremy and Jason. This same love and devotion extended to his grandchildren, Brock, Emmy, and Brodie.

Bruce's loved ones note that his faith was central to his being: Raised in the Nauvoo Church of Christ and later serving as an elder and Bible teacher at West Walker Church of Christ, his spiritual life was a beacon of his commitment to his beliefs. Despite his extensive work travels and often strenuous schedule, Bruce was always a faithful attendee of church services on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights. One of his favorite roles in the church was as a song leader, where he was able to pass on his love for music to many young men in the church, including his sons.

Bruce Windham passed away in February of 2024, leaving a legacy enriched with faith, community service, and an enduring commitment to hard work. His life story is a tribute to the principles he cherished, and a reminder of the profound impact one individual can have on their family, community, and the countless lives they touch. 78