Lindsey Humphrey

Lindsey’s life journey began on December 16, 1934  in New Bern, North Carolina. He was the youngest of 20 children. His parents, Sarah and Frank Humphrey were hard working Christians. It was through his parents that he learned the importance of God and family. He accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age.

He attended public schools in New Bern. In 1956, Lindsey moved to San Diego, CA, where he completed his high school education at Lincoln Adult School. Lindsey didn’t forget his early childhood lessons on the importance of God and church. Shortly after arriving to San Diego, he joined the Greater Trinity Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend W. L. Gayton and Reverend G. James Washington. He served faithfully on the Usher Board and wherever he was needed.

Lindsey later moved his membership to New Shiloh Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Calvin Langston. He loved his church and did whatever he could to support the church’s ministries. As an example, he worked tirelessly on New Shiloh sanctuary providing his handyman skills; painting plumbing roofing.

Lindsey loved his family. He was blessed with four children, Shirley Ann, Linda, Lindsey and Anthony, aka “Tony”. His children and family were his life and he sacrificed everything to ensure that his children would have the best that life offered. He taught his children the importance of family, having faith in God, loving and caring for others, and living with honor and integrity.

Lindsey enjoyed working around the house and ensuring his home always maintained their curb appeal. Because he was gifted with the use of his hands and was detailed oriented, he could repair just about anything. He was frequently called upon by his friends to “look at something” that wasn’t working properly. If he couldn’t repair it, he could provide the detailed solution.

Lindsey believed in keeping the environment safe long before most people were making a conscious effort to do so.  He always tried to find a way to repurpose items before throwing them away. This led to some interesting albeit creative repairs. His sons and their friends called him “MacGyver” Like MacGyver he possessed a high-level intellect, was charming and personable with an easy ability to make and keep friends.

Lindsey’s love of gardening stemmed from the 168-acre family farm. During an early period of his life, he said he took over the farm with great success. Throughout his life,

his gardens were bountiful and he loved experimenting with planting vegetables that he never grew. His gardens used minimal pesticides and he only used natural fertilizers. However, in spite of a regular rotation of vegetables, he always had an abundance of collard greens.

After working 48 years at Solar Turbines (A Caterpillar Company), Lindsey retired as a Production Planner in 2002. Retirement was perfect for Lindsey to enjoy his many interests. He was a man with more energy than those half his age, and he always kept moving. He enjoyed gardening, reading his bible, cooking, discussing current and political affairs, baseball, watching the horse racing channel and spending times with his friends and family. Lindsey also understood the importance of staying healthy. He arose each morning at 3:00 A.M. and worked out for two hours each day, five days a week. His exercise ritual started before retirement.

He also enjoyed family reunions and spending time in New Bern, NC. During retirement, he acquired his birth home and enjoyed renovating the home. Lindsey also loved to drive. It was common for him to drive from San Diego to all family reunions by himself!! In August, he drove to New Bern, tiled the house and helped paint his nephew Bernard Franklin’s home.

Lindsey’s life journey ended peacefully on October 5, 2019. Patiently waiting for him are his parents, Sarah and Frank Humphrey; daughter, Linda Smith and 18 brothers and sisters.

Lindsey leaves to cherish his memory, his loving and devoted children: Shirley Ann Washington of Charlotte, NC, Lindsey B. Humphrey of Tracy, CA and Anthony “Tony“ Humphrey of Las Vegas, NV; step daughters, Wanda Florence Calime of Chino Hills, CA and Gail Florence of Murrieta, CA; his sister, Ethel Miller of New Bern, NC; grandchildren: Angelo Washington of Hampton, VA, Keshia Washington Jones of Tampa, FL, Akili Humphrey of Las Vegas, NV; Kira Humphrey of Atlanta, GA; Cassie and Michael Smith of Brooklyn, NY; six great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, his longtime friend of 60 plus years, Robert T. Covington and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends who will mourn his passing, yet celebrate his life.

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