Pastor Donnie Humphrey

Pastor Donnie Humphrey, age 70, of Gray, Tennessee, passed away unexpectedly and went to be with his Savior on Tuesday, December 23, 2025.

Donnie was born on August 11, 1955, in Johnson City, Tennessee, to the late Raymond and Virginia White Humphrey. He was a graduate of Daniel Boone High School, where he was a proud All-Conference football player and track standout, holding the high hurdle record for several years. He later attended Liberty University, where he earned his degree.

On September 12, 1975, Donnie gave his life to the Lord at Piney Grove Freewill Baptist Church under the mentorship of his pastor, the late Pastor Paul Crowe. He faithfully served as a youth leader and led the youth choir for many years. Following the legacy of both of his grandfathers, Frank Humphrey and Elmer White, who were evangelists, Donnie began his ministry in evangelism where he met his lifelong friend and mentor in the ministry, Hagan McClellan. The Lord later placed a vision on his heart to establish River of Life Baptist Church, and on August 4, 1990, he held the church’s first service at the Piney Flats Community Center.

Throughout his years of ministry, Pastor Donnie faithfully shepherded his congregation, mentored many young men who answered the call to preach, and supported several who went on to plant churches of their own. He was actively involved in the United Emmaus Community. Donnie also served as a chaplain for Johnson City Police Department and Watauga Volunteer Fire Department. It was his greatest honor to serve as pastor of River of Life Baptist Church until the Lord called him Home.

Donnie deeply loved traveling with his wife, Sharon. Their adventures included trips to Hawaii, Ireland, Boston, Yellowstone, and Alaska, among many others. Those who knew Donnie well also knew of his fondness for LongHorn Steakhouse in Johnson City, where he proudly claimed charter-member status. Above all, Donnie was known for his faith, his humor, his generosity, and his love for people.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his close cousin and lifelong friend, Randy Bennett and special friends in the ministry, John Hitechew and Hagan McClellan.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 14 years, Sharon; children, April (Michael) Carver, Shanna (Billy) Pennington, Matthew (Holly) Humphrey; step-daughter, Jessica (Chris) Taylor; grandchildren, Bryson and Chloe Carver, Amelia and Jenni Grace Pennington, Anna, Noah, and Conor Humphrey, and Lola Taylor; sisters, Sandra (Danny) Fair and Teresa Hyatt; nieces and nephews, Adam Fair, Courtney Fair, Andrea Finley, Brian Hyatt; and special companions, Chester and Maggie.

The family will receive friends from 4:00–7:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at River of Life Baptist Church, with the funeral service to follow promptly at 7:00 p.m. The service will be officiated by Pastor Ancel Presnell, Jr., Pastor Mike Sage, and Pastor Gary Montgomery. The funeral will be livestreamed and available to view on the River of Life Facebook page and his obituary page. The committal service will be held on Monday, December 29, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at Monte Vista Memorial Park.

Active pallbearers include: Bryan Hyatt, Shaffin Finley, Doug Jones, Rick Colbaugh, Robbie Miller, Jason Fortner, David Clayman, Daniel Salyer, and Brock Slone. Honorary pallbearers include: Mike Murphy, Wayne Moyer, Daniel Reeves, Barry Hensely, Grant Colbaugh, and Chris Carr.

Memorial donations may be made to River of Life Baptist Church.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.morrisbaker.com.

Morris-Baker Funeral Home, 2001 E. Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, Tennessee, is honored to serve the Humphrey family. (423) 282-1521

*Note: IF the Livestream of the funeral service cannot be viewed on this website, please refer to the church's Facebook page.*