Johnny Ray Humphries (John), beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2026, in Waco, Texas—the city where his life’s journey began on September 27, 1937, and where he created countless memories with those he cherished most. His eighty-eight years were marked by deep devotion to family, an unwavering work ethic, quiet wisdom, and a generous spirit that touched everyone fortunate enough to know him.

From the outset, John was grounded by the values imparted to him by his late parents, Rutha Mae and Clifton Humphries. Those early lessons shaped the man he became: one who welcomed others without judgment, accepted people as they were, and offered encouragement instead of criticism. His steady integrity, genuine kindness, and willingness to listen made him someone people naturally trusted and sought out as he offered comfort, strength, and quiet reassurance.

John approached life with dedication and purpose. He started his career as a tv repairman at Austin Closs. After earning a certificate in HVAC from TSTI he worked for Lochridge Priest working his way up from residential to commercial and leaving behind a legacy of professionalism and reliability. There seemed to be little John couldn't repair. If something was broken, family and friends knew he would figure it out. He had a gift for fixing not only machinery and equipment but also easing the worries of those around him with practical advice and calm confidence. He never kept what he knew to himself, freely sharing his knowledge and hard-earned wisdom with anyone who wanted to learn. His colleagues knew him as a hardworking man of his word, always eager to lend a helping hand, solve a problem, or brighten the day with a story and a laugh.

Family was John's greatest source of pride and fulfillment. He loved them fiercely, and there was never any doubt where his heart belonged. He was deeply devoted to his wife, Jeannie, sharing many years of happiness, partnership, and unwavering love. John’s caring presence will be lovingly remembered by his children: Ray Humphries; Brenda Harris and her husband, Michael; Andrea Humphries; Cindy Hutchins; Cheryl Athey and her fiancè, Kyle Foster. He also leaves behind 7 grandchildren: Colby and Savanah Humphries; Michael, Cassidy and Taylor Athey USMC Srgt; Jason O'Bryant and LauraLee Medina, as well as numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his sister Marilyn and the mother of his children Carol Humphries. His greatest joy came from simply being with the people he loved—celebrating life's milestones, offering guidance when it was needed, and making sure his family always knew they could count on him. He was also actively involved with his his Waco High School class of 57 group of friends, who routinely still gathered after all of these years.

John’s vibrant personality left an impression on all who knew him. Whether socializing with friends, taking off in the motorhome for vacation, spending the day fishing with friends or hunting, he lived fully and with gratitude. He was well known state wide for raising and training coon hounds and won numerous state championships as a young man. A passionate Dallas Cowboys fan, John faithfully followed football season but simply loved the game no matter who was playing. Friends and loved ones will long savor the memory of his expertly smoked brisket at family gatherings—a true testament to his generous and hospitable nature, where everyone always had a place at his table.

In his passing, John reunites with his parents, Rutha Mae and Clifton Humphries; his brother Earl Humphries and his sister Carolyn Humphries; his daughter, Shelley Burkett and his son-in-law, Donald Hutchins. Though deeply missed, his memory will continue to guide and inspire his family and friends through the example of a life lived with humility, generosity, wisdom, and unconditional love.

Visitation will be held Thursday, July 23, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Grace Gardens Funeral Home & Crematorium, 8220 Woodway Dr., Woodway, TX. A funeral service celebrating John’s life and legacy will follow at 7:00 p.m., also at Grace Gardens. A private burial will take place at Oakwood Cemetery on Friday, July 24, 2026.

The family invites all whose lives were touched by John Ray Humphries to join in honoring and remembering a man whose generous heart, capable hands, accepting spirit, and fierce love for his family made the world a better place. His legacy will live on in every life he helped, every lesson he shared, and every person fortunate enough to call him family or friend.