Jeffrey A. Umphress Sr.

1947 - 2025

The Service of Remembrance for Jeffrey A. Umphress, Sr., age 77, of Hernando, Florida, will be held at 11:30 AM on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at the Inverness Chapel of Hooper Funeral Homes with Rick Welshans officiating. Interment will follow at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL. The family will receive friends from 10:30 AM until 11:30 AM at the Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests expressions of sympathy take the form of memorial donations to Disabled American Veterans; Attn: Gift Processing, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.HooperFuneralHome.com.

Jeff was born on June 13, 1947, in Warsaw, IN, the son of Jay Lewis Sr. and Gertrude (Walker) Umphress. He passed away on February 11, 2025, in Crystal River, FL, surrounded by his loved ones.

Jeff served in the United States Air Force from May 5, 1966, to March 5, 1970, becoming a decorated Sergeant of the 20th Green Hornets Helo Squadron. During his service, he married his perfect partner, Betty Jo (Wise) Umphress, on December 31, 1967. After his military service, he worked in construction as a carpenter and electrician alongside his father. Jeff spent most of his career – 22 years – as a semi-truck driver. Upon retiring from the trucking industry, he opened and operated his own commercial fishing and lawn care business, "Southern Lawn and Grasses." He built a fulfilling life in Hernando, FL, with his beloved wife, children, and many friends. He was the proud father of a son, Jeffrey Jr., and a daughter, Salena. Jeff was active in his community, often regarded as a mentor and father figure by many. He was an avid fisherman, hunter, and welder, who also enjoyed reading, painting, puzzles, and tinkering with various projects in his shed.

Known for his hilarious sense of humor, Jeff loved sharing laughter with others. He had a heart of gold, and was always ready to talk, lend an ear, or offer a helping hand. He was a member of Leroy Rooks, Jr. Post 4252 Hernando, FL (VFW) and the National Rifleman's Association (NRA), cherishing his neighborhood and the connections he made.

Jeff was preceded in death by his parents, Jay Lewis Sr. and Gertrude "Trudy" S. Umphress, and his brother, Jay "Bubba" Umphress Jr. He is survived by his wife, Betty Jo Umphress of Hernando, FL; son, Jeffrey A. (Jennifer) Umphress, Jr. of Inverness, FL; daughter, Salena (Jeffrey) Berg of Citrus Springs, FL; brother, George "Butch" (Sandy) Umphress; four grandchildren: Nathon (Shanna) Umphress, Lauren (Chad) Ritchie, Amber (Anthony) Matos, and Dawson Retter; four great-grandchildren: Cheyenne, Cash, Holland, and Wylder; and his many friends and compatriots.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Hooper Funeral Homes & Crematory.