Edward Clark Humphrey

Edward Clark Humphrey, age 84 of Orange Park, Florida, passed away Friday, November 12, 2021 at the Palms of Orange Park. He was born March 3, 1937 in Caro, Michigan, son of the late Thomas and the late Helen (nee: McLarty) Humphrey. Beloved father of David Humphrey, Michael Humphrey, Steven (Marilee) Humphrey, and Wayne Humphrey. Edward is also survived by many loving grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by wife, Sandy, daughter, Colleen, and his siblings; Allie, Thomas, Addison, Kenneth, Bill, Robert and John.

With thanks and praise from a grateful nation, we pay homage to Edward for his service to our country as a sailor in the United States Navy. Entering active duty on May 28, 1954, Edward served over 3 ½ years aboard the USS Arcadia and ultimately received his honorable discharge and was separated from the Navy on December 20, 1957. For the sacrifices made and his willingness to stand in harm's way for freedom's sake, we extend our posthumous gratitude for his valiant service and distinct patriotism for our country.

At the young age of 39, Ed made the admirable decision to step into the realm of mentoring when he became the Scoutmaster for Troop 284 located in Lake Orion, Michigan. Serving for 5 years, between 1976 and 1980, Ed played an integral role in molding young men to become strong in body and mind, and to honor our country as young patriots and devoted American's. Ed found great reward in watching his boys step up and answer the call of manhood, and was pleased beyond expression when they reached the heights of Eagle Scout, an achievement he witnessed right in his own home.

Ed's younger years were also filled with the memories created in the outdoors when he scratched that itch to do a little hunting and fishing. Of course, living in a state where both are prevalent pastimes, Ed loved exchanging the concrete jungle for a bit of Michigan's backwoods serenity each time he set out to come back the victor. Whether he was hangin' out at a favorite fishing hole or lying in wait for that multi-pointed buck to come traipsing by, he was always hoping that his inner Daniel Boone would bring him success and provide for some great stories.

Employed within the automotive realm, Ed was no stranger to lay-offs. But he was no couch potato. Actually, it was during those times that he honed his skills when it came to car maintenance and ultimately turned it into a tiny cottage industry. When the Big Boys weren't paying out, it was Ed's car tinkering abilities that helped put food on the table some weeks. It just so happens that one of his neighbors was quite adept at body work, so the two joined forces when needed to make their deal come to fruition and so it did. The Body Man and the Engine Man, an automotive marriage made in Heaven.

Many will also remember Ed for the passion he held for flying. Not merely by having the airlines whisk him away, but for actually obtaining his pilot's license and taking control of the cockpit himself. Forever enthralled with the wonder of flight and possessing an unquenchable thirst for aircraft, the fascination and rush he experienced each time his plane left the ground was nothing short of exhilarating. There was a day when an airfield sat just off of Silverbell Road in Oakland County, and that is where you would have often seen Ed soaring upward into the heavens, living his dream come true. And not merely the Big Boy planes that he flew, but Ed was also a model airplane pilot as well. It might have been on a much smaller scale, but it was still immensely invigorating to experience each lift off and landing and every moment in between. If you're going to have a hobby, flight has got to be one of the most notable, for sure.

A Memorial Service for Ed will be held at 12:30 pm on Friday, March 18th at the Lewis E. Wint & Son Funeral Home in Clarkston, Michigan. Guests are welcome from 11:30 am until time of the service. A Committal Service, with the rendering of Naval Honors, will follow at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan.

Memorial donations, in Edward's name, are welcomed to the American Diabetes Association ( www.diabetes.org ).

Please share a memory or condolence on Edward's online guestbook at
www.wintfuneralhome.com