Donald Webster Humston

Donald Webster Humston leaves behind many memories and stories that will continue to be shared by those who knew and loved him when he passed away on September 22nd, 2026. He was born on May 1st, 1950, to Hazel and Frank Humston of Roanoke, Virginia. He is preceded in death by his grandparents; his parents, Hazel and Frank Humston; his brother, Doug Humston of Montclair, Virginia; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Connie Humston; their three sons, Sammy Humston (Kari), Joe Humston (Elizabeth), and Jimmy Humston (Ashley); and four grandchildren, Hunter Humston, Molly Humston, Callie Humston and Connor Humston. He is also survived by his brother, Dennis Humston; sisters-in-law Marie Humston, Lorna Humston, Linda McClanahan, and Amy Anderson; nieces Christy Cormons, Cindy Forgash, Carolyn Vernon, Mindy Clark, Amber Humston, Betsy Jones, Lindsay McClanahan, and Libby Anderson; and nephew Ben McClanahan.

Don and Connie were longtime members of Grace Fellowship Church.

As a young boy, Don spent countless summer days with his two brothers and their cousins at their Granny’s farm in Coffeytown, Virgina. They explored the hills, played in the creek, and made memories that stayed with Don throughout his life. He spoke fondly of those adventures, and the Coffey family reunions inevitably brought those stories, laughter, and shared happy memories of Granny’s back to life.

Don graduated from Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia, in 1968. He attended Ferrum College for two years before transferring to East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tennessee, in September 1970. It was there, in September of 1970, that Don met Connie Wilkerson, who would become his wife.

In 1973, Don graduated from East Tennessee State University with a degree in education and began his teaching career at Independence Hall at Liberty Bell Middle School in Johnson City. He also coached football, basketball, and track, activities he greatly enjoyed. He was affectionately known as “Coach Humston” whenever he ran into one of the young men he had coached in middle school. Don and Connie were married on June 22, 1974. Don taught and coached until 1981, when he began a new career in sales with Procter & Gamble. He remained with the company for 31 years before retiring.

Don loved sports and especially enjoyed coaching all three of his sons’ T-ball teams. Golf was another favorite pastime, and his passion for the game was shared by his sons. All three played golf at Science Hill High School, and two went on to play in college.

Don also enjoyed working in his yard and keeping it manicured to perfection. His dad always said, “You can’t grow grass and kids at the same time”. Somehow Don managed to do just that. He was especially humored when neighbors walked by and asked if his lawn was artificial turf. His conversation with Kenny Lowe always included talk about grass seed.

One of Don’s favorite traditions was spending time every summer in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, with Connie and their sons, as well as Connies’ sisters and their families, and close friends Judy and Fred Meredith and their son, Brett. After playing a morning round of golf with the men, Don would grab his boombox and head to the beach to join the wives and children beneath several canopies, affectionately known as “Camp Red Cup”, a concept created by Sammy Humston. Those days surrounded by friends and family were truly among some of the happiest times of Don’s life.

Don also had a deep love of music and dancing. After their sons left home for college, Don and Connie began dancing, filling their empty nest with music, movement, and new memories. For more than 20 years, they spent most Monday evenings dancing with the Mountain Empire Shag Society in Johnson City. Through dancing, they formed many cherished, lifelong friendships, and created countless memories together.

In later years, Don and Connie especially enjoyed attending their grandchildren’s games. They loved watching them play many of the same sports their father had played years before.

Above all, Don was devoted to his family. He was incredibly proud of his sons and their accomplishments and supported them in every way he could, including helping each of them through college. When each son graduated from college, Don presented him with a briefcase filled with money, a heartfelt gesture that reflected both his generosity and his desire to help his sons begin their careers with confidence. It was a simple but meaningful expression of the love and support he gave so freely throughout their lives.

Don will be remembered for his love of family, sports, music, dancing, generosity, and advice (always offered freely). He touched many lives throughout the years. His love, laughter, and zest for life will be greatly missed.

At Don’s Celebration of Life, there will be an opportunity for anyone who would like to share a memory. The family will receive family and friends on Monday, September 28th, 2026, from 11:30 am until 1:00 pm at Monte Vista Funeral Home, 1900 E Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, Tennessee 37601. A Celebration of Don’s Life will follow at 1:00 pm.

Our family would like to thank Story Point Senior Living nurses and resident assistants who took excellent and loving care of Don the last two years. They are family. We have great gratitude for Connie Lamore, who for over two years, cared for Don with much love and devotion at our home and at Story Point. She was lovingly referred to as “Connie 2” at Story Point.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Washington County Animal Shelter, 3411 North Roan Street, Johnson City, TN 37601, where Don and Connie adopted their family dogs over the years.