Ricky Hight Humphries
Ricky Hight Humphries
March 22, 2014
Ricky Hight Humphries, 59, passed away on Saturday, March 22, 2014, at his home.
Dr. James Dobson said, “the final heartbeat for the Christian is not the mysterious conclusion to a meaningless existence, it is the grand beginning to a life with our Savior that will never end.” Ricky’s heart stopped suddenly at his Madison, Ala., home on Saturday, March 22, 2014. Even though his family and friends mourn his passing, they rejoice in the fact that Rick began his celebration of eternal life.
Rick was born in Russellville on December 12, 1954.
He was preceded into the gates of Heaven by his parents, Rev. Roy and Robbie Humphries, and his grandparents, Cleve and Nettie Humphries and Marion Hight and Athel Thorn, all of Vina.
He is survived by a family he cherished dearly: his devoted wife and love of more than 38 years, Sheree Davis Humphries; his daughter, Ashleigh Heather Humphries and her fiancé, Ryan Richardson, of Hixson, Tenn., and his son, Zachary Hight Humphries and his wife, Melinda, of Smyrna, Ga.
Ricky was so very proud of his children, especially of their personal and professional accomplishments. He has two grandchildren, Ashleigh’s son, Brodie Alexander Humphries, a grandson he adored and loved to share adventures with, and a precious angel who Zack and Melinda are expecting in July.
His sister, Shelia Griffus and her husband Arlie live in Decatur. His brother, Terry Humphries and his wife Joan are in Tremont, Miss. Rick’s mother and father-in-law, Floyd and Jo Davis are from Red Bay, and his sister-in-law, Sandi Johnston and her family live on the family farm outside of Red Bay in Golden, Miss. Rick has several nieces and nephews he has enjoyed watching grow through the years. These family members have loved and supported Rick through a lifetime, a blessing that cannot be measured. He can depend upon them to continue that devotion to his wife and children in the days ahead.
Rick also had his NASA family. That very successful career and the friendships he built along the way began with a job at the Piggly Wiggly at age 15, high school graduation in Red Bay and a college degree from the University of Alabama in Huntsville with a degree in electrical engineering. He proudly served our country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War era and then settled into a position at Marshall Space Flight Center that would last 32 years.
When Rick retired he had many things to be proud of. His last 12 years were spent serving as Group Lead of the Computer and Data Systems Group there at Marshall. His work also included Hubble Space Telescope projects and monitoring computer systems aboard space shuttle. Rick was honored with the Silver Snoopy Award for his exemplary work at NASA in support of the space shuttle program. His work at NASA with the space program provided Rick a great challenge and a sense of pride and accomplishment. He would often say that he was most proud of the young engineers who worked under his leadership when they had celebrated a success and advanced in their own careers.
Rick loved vehicles, from the first car he bought for himself as a teenager, the motorcycles and sports cars through the years, to the shiny silver Jeep Rubicon he loved riding off road these past few months. He and Sheree yelled the loudest “Roll Tide” and had fun watching Alabama football together. Brodie and his Poppy spent many hours flying quadcopters together. Rick wanted to teach his bright grandson all about science and provide him challenging experiences. He also enjoyed playing video games with countless competitors across the United States and Canada.
This pastor’s son also held firm to his faith. He loved gospel music. One of his recent favorites, “Going Home” by Mark Lowry and Kim Ford, was the last song on Rick’s playlist. He knew what Home had to offer and was confident that “on this day he would awake, no longer homesick any more”. Rick’s home is not in Madison any more. Now he lives in the hearts of those who love him and in the everlasting Home where he belongs.
Visitation was on Thursday, March 27, at Deaton Funeral Home, Red Bay.
A celebration of Rick’s life and his faith followed with Bro. Jerry Ginn, Rick’s lifelong friend and coach officiating. Burial was in Red Bay City Cemetery during a private, family service on Friday morning.
