Obituaries

Victor “David” Humphrey passed away on May 18, 2026, in Lexington, Kentucky, at the age of 75, having lived a life marked by wit, generosity, and love.

Born on December 26, 1950, in Louisville, Kentucky, David arrived just in time to make the holiday season a little more memorable for everyone around him. He was the son of the late John Sherman Humphrey, Jr. and the late Betty Jean Edrington Humphrey, and he grew into a man who reflected the best of both of them in his kindness, his integrity, and his unmistakable sense of humor.

He was a husband most devoted to Carla “Sue” Patterson Humphrey of Lexington, Kentucky, and together they walked through nearly fifty-four seasons of life as true companions, sharing the joys of home, travel, family, and friendship.

David earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Kentucky, a degree that proved he had both the brains and the patience to solve complicated problems. That combination served him well in his career as Engineering Manager at IBM and later Lexmark, where he eventually retired after years of dedicated work.

Of all David’s many loyalties, none was more famous than his passion for the University of Kentucky Wildcats, especially basketball. He was an active member of The Committee of 101, and he cherished the many friendships made while donning the “blue coat.”

David also had a deep love of music and was always ready for a concert or festival, especially when shared with family and friends. He was a world traveler who explored numerous countries with Sue, and those adventures reflected his curiosity and his appreciation for new experiences.

He found great happiness at the beach in the Low Country of South Carolina, where he enjoyed time with family and close friends. There was something about the water, the sun, and the slower pace that suited him perfectly.

Above all, David especially loved spending time with his five grandchildren, and he treasured playing games with them. Those moments brought him immense joy, and it is safe to say that many a game was improved by his playful spirit and perhaps a little strategic generosity when the occasion called for it.

David was an adoring husband to Carla “Sue” Patterson Humphrey of Lexington, Kentucky, and a loving father to Nancy Humphrey Grayson (Trey) of Walton, Kentucky; Wendy Humphrey Van Meter (Chris) of Lexington, Kentucky; and Jonathan Humphrey (Stephanie) of Hermitage, Tennessee. He was a proud grandfather to Alexandra Grayson Kells (Nick), Katheryn Grayson, Caroline Van Meter, Cooper Van Meter, and Addison Humphrey. He was an older brother to Vincent “Dan” Humphrey (Elise) of Springfield, VA.

His legacy is one of devotion, good humor, and a life filled with meaningful work, deep family ties, and a remarkable ability to enjoy the moment. The world feels a little quieter without him, but the laughter he inspired, the love he gave, and the memories he created will continue to speak loudly for years to come.

A visitation will be held on May 28, 2026, at 10am at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 533 East Main Street, Lexington, KY. A memorial service will immediately follow at 12pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Episcopal Diocese of Lexington (The Cathedral Domain) at www.diolex.org or to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation at www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org.