Woodus Kellum Humphrey

A devoted father, grandfather, and adventurer, Woodus Kellum Humphrey, 85, of Wilmington, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2025. He was born on February 4, 1940, in Wilmington, North Carolina, and lived a full life marked by family, friendship, hard work, and a love of the water.
Born in Wilmington, Woodus attended Presbyterian College before graduating from Centenary College in Shreveport, Louisiana. He made Shreveport his home for more than 40 years, building both his business and his family life there. Later, with his beloved Joyce, he embraced a new chapter of adventure - moving all over the country, soaking up experiences and friendships everywhere they went.
Woodus spent his professional life in the insurance business. He began his career with Keith D. Peterson Insurance Company before branching out to establish his own firm, Woodus Kellum Humphrey Insurance. Through his work, he built lasting relationships and a reputation for trust, dedication, and integrity.
Woodus was first married to Nancy McCullough Humphrey, the loving mother of his children. She preceded him in death. Later, he found the love of his life in Joyce Marie Eidson Humphrey, who also preceded him in death. Together, Woodus and Joyce shared a joyful blended family with her daughters, Page Hart and husband Rhodes, and Lisa Zager, along with their children and grandchildren.
He was also preceded in death by his parents, George Dudley Humphrey and Madeleine Kellum Humphrey; his brother, George Dudley Humphrey Jr.; his sister, Christian Humphrey Swiers; his daughter-in-law, Cherie Humphrey; his all-time favorite person, Eula May Mitchell; and his best friend, Lea Hall.
Woodus and Joyce were true adventurers. After Hurricane Katrina, they spent more than a year living aboard a boat, traveling all the way from Mexico to Canada - an unforgettable journey that captured their love of the water, exploration, and each other.
He is survived by his daughter, Rosalind Humphrey White, and her husband Steve; his sons, Brown McCullough Humphrey and his wife Lauren, and Woodus Kellum Humphrey Jr. and Georgia. He was the proud grandfather of nine: Steven G. White Jr., Nancy Rosalind Tifft and her husband Billy, Madeleine Pecquet White, Ashley McAlpine and her husband Fraser, Lindsey Hall and her husband Shelby, Catherine Kellum Humphrey, Woodus "Kellum" Humphrey III, Robinson Simmons and her husband Brayden, and Mary McCullough Humphrey. He also leaves behind five beloved great-grandchildren-Lola White, Mia White, Daniel Tifft, Miller Vick, and George Hall-with two more blessings on the way.
Outside of his career, Woodus cherished life's adventures. He especially loved boating and traveling, and he shared those passions - and the countless stories he shared about them - with family and friends who will carry fond memories of their times together. He was blessed with many cherished friends from his childhood who continued to stay in touch throughout his life, a testament to the lasting bonds he created.
Woodus's legacy is one of hard work, family devotion, and a zest for life's journey. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.
Pallbearers (Honorary): Kellum Humphrey, Steven White, Jim Bruno, Dick Chilvers, Billy Smith, Dan Herndon, and Pepito Muñoz.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Maude Werner and Hazel Thomas-Gibson for their devoted care, as well as to St. Joseph Hospice, Stat Home Health, and the compassionate staff of The Glen, who supported Woodus and his family with kindness and dignity.
May his spirit sail on calm waters, carried by love, and may the memories of his laughter and stories live on in all who knew him.
A family service will be held at Church of the Holy Cross on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at 3:00 PM, with a reception to follow at Superior Steakhouse. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Church of the Holy Cross.