Ray Humphrey

Ray Michael Humphrey, 77, of Wichita, Kansas, passed away on November 29, 2025, at Via Christi St. Francis, surrounded by his loving family. Born on December 26, 1947, in Oklahoma, Ray was the son of Paul Humphrey and Marjorie (Berry) Humphrey.

Ray graduated from Belpre High School and was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served his country with honor. After his military service, Ray built a long and successful career as a Plant Operator, working over 30 years with Abbott Laboratories and Air Products.

Ray married Pam Rose in 1968, and though they later divorced, they shared many meaningful years together. In 1978, he married Nancy (Rich) Humphrey, and they spent decades together until her passing on September 19, 2024.

Ray enjoyed fishing, gardening, and spending time outdoors. After his diagnosis, he discovered a creative side, crafting decorative walking sticks, macramé pieces, and tile pots. He was active and hands-on, rarely sitting still—whether tinkering with cars, caring for his lawn, or fixing things almost anything around the house. He even redecorated his kitchen and finished his entire basement himself. Ray loved watching sports and always rooted for the underdog.

Ray was a salt-of-the-earth man who lived by a simple code: he was no better than anyone else, and no one was better than him. Titles and rank never impressed him. What mattered to Ray was how people treated others and how they made them feel.

He was a tireless worker who carried his role as a provider with deep pride. And while he was humble in most things, he was never shy about telling his family that he loved them and that he was proud of them.

Ray showed up for the people he cared about—every time. One of those moments came when his daughter Becky and grandson Cam were driving home from a soccer tournament in Dallas. About two hours outside Wichita, Becky’s car began smoking, with five long hours still ahead. She called her dad, who calmly talked her through what to do and told her to stop by his house on the way back to Kansas City. By the time Becky and Cam rolled into his driveway around 9 p.m., Ray and Brian were already in the garage, lights on, tools out, ready to go. Ray diagnosed the problem instantly, patched it with duct tape, and had them safely back on the road within half an hour. Even a NASCAR pit crew couldn’t have been more efficient—or more caring.

This was Ray in his purest form: stepping in without hesitation, making people feel supported, seen, and worthy. That same spirit is what carried him into his greatest adventure—welcoming four children into his and Nancy’s life later on.

Ray loved deeply, felt big emotions, and took care of anyone lucky enough to be in his orbit. He made the world softer, safer, and better simply by being who he was.

Ray is survived by his children: son, Brian (Samantha) Humphrey; daughter, Becky (Tim) Wiseman and their children Camden (22) and Caitlin (18); Michael (Rosenne) Humphrey and their children Ian (20), Mikayla (12), Malachi (8), and Madeline (8); daughter, Leanne Humphrey; son, Paul Humphrey; son, Caden Humphrey; and daughter, Katherine Humphrey.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Marjorie Humphrey; his brother, Lloyd Humphrey; and his beloved wife, Nancy Humphrey.

Ray will be remembered for his strength, creativity, and unwavering love for his family. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the memories he created.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice. Donations can be sent to 313 S Market, Wichita, Kansas, 67202, or made online at https://www.hynesmemorial.org/ways-to-donate/#donate.

Ray's Celebration of Life will be Sunday, December 14th from 1-5p at The Fun Venue, located at 221 N St Francis Ave, Wichita, KS 67202.