Shirlen Lee "Billy" Humphrey

Shirlen Lee "Billy" Humphrey died peacefully in his sleep on September 24, 2025, with his loving wife of almost 72 years, Shirley, by his side.

Billy was born February 2, 1934, in Jacksonville, NC, to Robert and Lucy Humphrey and married Shirley Kellum on October 2, 1953. For 32 years he owned and operated Humphrey Brothers gas station and auto repair with his brother, JD, before retiring in December 1988. He was also a talented carpenter and woodworker who built houses for his three daughters as well as countless pieces of furniture for friends and family.

Billy had a servant's heart, and as such, he spent many years contributing to his community at home, around the state and out in the world. He was one of the founding members of the Pumpkin Center Volunteer Fire Department in 1962, served as its first Chief and continued to be active in the department for many years. He was also an active member of Kellum Baptist Church his entire life, where he sang in the choir, served as a deacon and worked countless hours with the Handyman Ministry. In addition, he and Shirley volunteered at numerous disaster sites and building projects with the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief. Billy also worked on Habitat for Humanity sites and traveled to Brazil for a mission trip to build homes.

In addition to his wife, Billy is survived by his three daughters and their husbands, Kathy and Jerry Mallard, Sandra and Doug Davis, and Wendy and Greg Grantham. He is also survived by his five grandchildren, Beth Keith (husband Ted), Ben Mallard (wife Megan), Zachary Davis (wife Lizzie), Hali Grantham (partner Daniel) and Matthew Grantham, as well as his five great-grandchildren, Will Keith, Beckett Keith, Katie Mallard, Beau Mallard and Ivy Davis. He has been reunited with his father, mother and siblings, JD Humphrey, Polly Jarman and Roger Humphrey.

Billy's remarkable life and legacy will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 14, at 1:30 pm, at Kellum Baptist Church, followed by a burial with Masonic rites at Onslow Memorial Park. The family will receive visitors at 6:00-8:00 pm on Monday, October 13, at Jones Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for contributions to organizations close to Billy's heart, the Rise to Build fund at Kellum Baptist Church or the Pumpkin Center Fire Department.