Liston William “Bill” Humphrey, Jr

August 27, 2025

Liston William “Bill” Humphrey, Jr. passed away early Tuesday morning, August 19, 2025 in his home, surrounded by the love of his family. He was the father of Wallace County resident Jayne Humphrey Pearce. 
Bill was born on Sept. 6, 1933, at James Walker Memorial Hospital in Wilmington, NC, to parents Liston William Humphrey, Sr. and Emma Eloise (Bryant) Humphrey. He was a 4th Generation Wilmingtonian and loved its history, culture, and people. 
Bill served in the Army for two years as a cryptographer, serving in Korea and Japan. He then graduated on the GI Bill from the University of South Carolina, and was a proud Gamecock. 
Bill spent 61 years as a life insurance agent for MassMutual Life Insurance Company and greatly enjoyed his job and the people he served. He was also an attentive investor, and enjoyed following stocks and business trends.
In 1956, he was introduced to a recent Wilmington arrival, Golden Sharpe originally of Spencer, NC. At that moment, a great love story began that continues to this day. Bill and Golden were united in marriage on February 15, 1959 and were blessed with three daughters: Jayne Blair (1962), Susan Elise (1964), and Alison Paige (1967). Bill and Golden were wonderful life partners, taking joy in every phase that they entered. Together, they participated in the lives of their family and loved family reunions of all kinds. Bill and Golden took many greatly anticipated trips all over the United States and through Europe; the memories of these travels were much discussed and savored. Bill would greet his wife in their living room every morning, singing “Here she comes, Miss America!” Their devotion knew no bounds.
Bill and Golden’s riches lay also in their friends, with whom they bonded over their entire adult lives. The fruits of these friendships have so blessed their children and families. Bill began attending Temple Baptist Church in 1958 - he and Golden raised their daughters in the life of the church, with Bill as a deacon and financial committee member. Bill had professed his faith in Christ and was baptized into the church, supporting its missions and ministries. 
Bill and Golden made many visits to Wallace County over the past 34 years and really enjoyed the friendships they developed here. 
Preceding Bill in death are his parents, Liston William Humphrey, Sr. and Emma Eloise (Bryant) Humphrey. 
Bill is mourned by his wife of 66 years, Golden Virginia (Sharpe) Humphrey of the home; sister Elise Humphrey Coble of Wilmington, NC;  daughters Jayne H. Pearce (Cecil) of Wallace, KS; Susan Brown (Randy) of Wilmington, NC; Alison Stenner (Derek) of Durham, NC; Six Grandchildren - Taylor Pearce (Gabriela) of Omaha, NE; Cody Pearce of Omaha, NE; Sydney Brown Keesecker (Josh) of New Bern, NC; Ryan Brown (Lauren) of Knoxville, TN; Molly Stenner and Greta Stenner, both of Durham, NC; many beloved nieces and nephews, who have been well-represented by the loving attention of niece Pat Wood of Colfax, NC, and Bob Jones of Wrightsville Beach, NC. 
Arrangements made through Andrews Mortuary and Crematory of Wilmington, NC. www.andrewsmortuary.com.