November 27, 1955 – June 16, 2023
David Gene Humphrey of Saline, Louisiana passed away on Friday, June 16, 2023 after a brief courageous cancer related battle. He was thought to have turned the corner on the road to recovery, however God had different plans.
Gene was born in Jonesboro, Louisiana on November 27, 1955 to Paul and Margie Humphrey. Above all else, he loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and his church family at Old Saline Baptist Church, where he faithfully served as a deacon and treasurer for many years. He also enjoyed singing bass in the church choir and in quartets. He was gentle and quiet, but had the biggest and most caring heart.
Gene graduated from Saline High School and then earned his bachelor’s degree in Industrial Technology from Northwestern State University in 1977. He spent his entire professional career as a public educator in the Bienville Parish School System, teaching Trade and Industry at Shady Grove High School, Castor High School and Saline High School. After retiring in 2013, he loved living the simple life; working his daily puzzles, watching Jeopardy, gardening, working to restore his Chevy Nova and searching for automotive parts to sell at swap meets.
Gene was extremely talented with mechanical and fabrication skill along with an innovative imagination. He fabricated countless custom: toys, tools, race cars, trailers, and vehicles over the years. He built his first championship winning race car engine in 1973 as a senior in high school. He was also an accomplished circle track race car driver and earned numerous wins along with multiple track championships over the years. He always made sure all of his grandkids, nephews, and nieces had plenty of motorized toys to ride while growing up.
Gene was preceded in death by his father, Paul Humphrey. He is survived by his wife Gail Dement Humphrey, mother Margie Humphrey, brother Douglas Humphrey and wife Gail of Saline, brother, Ronnie Humphrey and wife Janice of Shreveport. Children include Chris and Shannon Fife of Sterlington, Matt and Kristi Fife of Sterlington, Leigh Ann and Nick Hamburg of West Monroe. Grandchildren include Otayia “Ty” Fife, Ariana Fife, Saphire Harris and Race, Sidney Harris and Nikki, and one great grandchild Daisy Harris. Nephews and nieces include, Tanya and Jeremy Paul of Ruston, Trent and Emily Humphrey of Haughton, Ryan and Amy Humphrey of Shreveport, Alyson Humphrey of Shreveport, Ashlin and Heath Thompson of Shreveport, seven great-nephews and one great-niece, and a host of family and friends.
Visitation for Gene in planned for Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at Old Saline Baptist Church from 9:30AM ~ 11:00AM. His funeral service is set to begin at 11:00AM with Bro. Michael Reed officiating. Burial will follow in Old Saline cemetery under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.
Serving the family as pallbearers will be Donald Dement, Ronald Dement, Matt Fife, Ryan Humphrey, Trent Humphrey, Hudson Paul, Jeremy Paul, and Heath Thompson.
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