WILMINGTON — Liston William “Bill” Humphrey, Jr. passed away early Tuesday morning, August 19, 2025 in his home, surrounded by the love of his family. Bill was born on Sept. 6, 1933, at James Walker Memorial Hospital in Wilmington, NC, to parents Liston William Humphrey, Sr. and Emma Eloise (Bryant) Humphrey; he was christened as an infant in St. Andrews Presbyterian Church. Bill was a 4th Generation Wilmingtonian and loved its history, culture, and people.
Bill attended Forest Hills Elementary School and graduated in 1951 from New Hanover High School. He worked in his youth for Coastline Railroad in downtown Wilmington, as well as his family feed store, and then studied two years at Wilmington College when it was located across the street from NHHS. He served in the Army for two years as a cryptographer, serving in Korea and Japan. He then graduated on the GI Bill from the University of South Carolina, and was a proud Gamecock.
Bill spent 61 years as a life insurance agent for MassMutual Life Insurance Company and greatly enjoyed his job and the people he served. He was also an attentive investor, and enjoyed following stocks and business trends.
In 1956, he was introduced to a recent Wilmington arrival, Golden Sharpe originally of Spencer, NC. At that moment, a great love story began that continues to this day. Bill and Golden were united in marriage on February 15, 1959 and were blessed with three daughters: Jayne Blair (1962), Susan Elise (1964), and Alison Paige (1967). Bill and Golden were wonderful life partners, taking joy in every phase that they entered. Together, they participated in the lives of their family and loved family reunions of all kinds. Bill and Golden took many greatly anticipated trips all over the United States and through Europe; the memories of these travels were much discussed and savored. Bill would greet his wife in their living room every morning, singing “Here she comes, Miss America!” Their devotion knew no bounds.
Bill and Golden’s riches lay also in their friends, with whom they bonded over their entire adult lives. The fruits of these friendships have so blessed their children and families. Bill began attending Temple Baptist Church in 1958 – he and Golden raised their daughters in the life of the church, with Bill as a deacon and financial committee member. Bill had professed his faith in Christ and was baptized into the church, supporting its missions and ministries.
Bill was a member of the Downtown Wilmington Rotary Club since 1967, and internalized its Four-Way Test; on his last day on earth, he learned of reaching #1 role status and this elicited a smile. The Humphreys were also 2nd and 3rd generation members of the Hanover Seaside Club of Wrightsville Beach, where many happy memories were made, always among cherished friends.
Dubbed by the Star-News as the “Tomato King,” Bill was a specialist in growing backyard Better Boy tomatoes; little brown paper sacks filled with these red bundles of deliciousness were often in hand when visiting friends and those in need. There was many a backyard oyster roast, and every fall, jumbo green peanuts were boiling on the kitchen stove.
Bill’s Homecoming Celebration will be held on Friday, August 22nd, 2025, at 2:00 pm, with a 1:00 pm visitation, at Temple Baptist Church, 1801 Market Street, Wilmington. Arrangements are through Andrews Mortuary and Crematory. Memorials may be left with Andrews Mortuary for designation at a future date, or may be shared with Lower Cape Fear Life Care, Temple Baptist Church, or the charity of the donor’s choice.
Preceding Bill in death are his parents, Liston William Humphrey, Sr. and Emma Eloise (Bryant) Humphrey.
Bill is mourned by his wife of 66 years, Golden Virginia (Sharpe) Humphrey of the home; sister Elise Humphrey Coble of Wilmington, NC; daughters Jayne H. Pearce (Cecil) of Wallace, KS; Susan Brown (Randy) of Wilmington, NC; Alison Stenner (Derek) of Durham, NC; Six Grandchildren – Taylor Pearce (Gabriela) of Omaha, NE; Cody Pearce of Omaha, NE; Sydney Brown Keesecker (Josh) of New Bern, NC; Ryan Brown (Lauren) of Knoxville, TN; Molly Stenner and Greta Stenner, both of Durham, NC; many beloved nieces and nephews, who have been well-represented by the loving attention of niece Pat Wood of Colfax, NC, and Bob Jones of Wrightsville Beach, NC.
The family has deeply appreciated the services of HomeWerks Home Care, LLC of Wilmington, NC, along with their loving caregivers. Lower Cape Fear Life Care nurses (especially Nurse Kirsten Nemmers) have been a blessing for both Bill and Golden.
