Clarence Ray Humphrey

Clarence Ray “Joe” Humphrey July 9, 1938 – December 19, 2024

Clarence Ray “Joe” Humphrey, age 86, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, December 19, 2024. He was the beloved husband of Annale Venters Humphrey.

Joe was born on July 9, 1938, in Jacksonville, NC, to the late Freddie Humphrey and Gertrude Wilson. Affectionately known as “Joe,” he was a man of deep warmth, kindness, and a sense of humor that made him loved by all who knew him. His most rewarding and cherished role was that of a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Family meant the world to Joe, and he found his greatest joy in spending time with his loved ones.

Joe took great pride in cooking for his family, especially on Sundays and during the holidays. His famous chopped barbecue, crispy fried chicken, and pineapple coconut cakes were always the highlight of family gatherings, and his home was a place of love, laughter, and delicious food.

In addition to his love for cooking, Joe had a few simple pleasures. He cherished his morning Dunkin’ Donuts runs with his best friend, Wave, and was never far from his favorite shows on MSNBC and General Hospital . His life was full of these small, joyful moments that he shared with those closest to him.

Joe attended Georgetown High School in Jacksonville, NC. He relocated to Waterbury, CT, in the 1970s. Before retiring, Joe worked for over 25 years at Pathmark grocery stores, where he was a familiar face to many in the community. He was a member of Zion Bapist Church, Waterbury.

Joe is survived by his children, Frederick Humphrey Sr. and his wife Cheryl of Jacksonville, NC; Michael Venters of Waterbury, CT; Sherry Cooks of Jacksonville, NC; Ricky Venters Sr. and his wife Robin of Clinton Corners, NY; Angela Parks and her husband Louis of Waterbury, CT; and Jennifer Humphrey of Waterbury, CT. He is also survived by 16 grandchildren, Tamishka Cright, Lakeila McDade, Shante Cooks, Liteashia Soles, Frederick Humphrey Jr., Ricky Venters Jr., Talisha Dightmon, Ashia Parks-Coggins, Ravon Venters, David Humphrey, Pebbles Humphrey, Louis Parks Jr., Hassan Parks, Wyatashia Webb, Brittany Venters and Rashawn Venters, 33 great grandchildren, three brothers-in-law: James Venters (Geneva), Clayton Venters (Lowanda), and William Venters; five sisters-in-law: Kathalen Bellamy, Eva Bradley, Nancy Hobbs (Moses), Iris Crews, and Patricia Brunson (Willie); along with a host of extended family and friends.. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Annale; his daughters, Barbara Jean Humphrey and Abigail Venters; his son, Clarence Humphrey Jr., both of his parents, brothers, Gene Humphrey and Richard Washington, sister Elma McKoy and his special Aunt Lettuce Gholston, who was like a mother to him.

A celebration of Clarence’s life will be held on December 28, 2024 at 10am at Zion Baptist Church, Waterbury. Viewing in Church from 9am-10am. Burial to follow at New Pine Grove Cemetery. Funeral services have been entrusted to Colonial Funerals, 270 West Main Street, Waterbury, CT and James R. Sanders, Funeral Director. Condolences may be expressed at colonialfunerals.com.