Earl Humber
Earl Dean Humber, 91, of East Ridge, died on Thursday, July 28, 2016.
Earl was born on Dec. 16, 1924, to the late Johnnie Oliver and Bertha Mills Humber in Gordo, Alabama. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the United States Army and served in Whittier, Alaska during the Korean War. Upon completion of service, he attended Mississippi State University, earning his degree in accounting. He remained an avid fan of his beloved Bulldogs throughout his life. Between his service and college in 1951, he married Hazel Livingston, his wife of 57 years; and has lived in East Ridge since 1958. Through the years, he has been a beloved member of several local churches, including East Ridge Baptist, Woodstation United Methodist, and Jones Memorial United Methodist. He also loved participating in the East Ridge Senior Fitness class, where he made many friends. The family would like to acknowledge the outstanding care provided by the staff at Southern Heritage and Rosewood assisted living communities.
Earl was preceded in death by Hazel; two brothers, Milus Dee and J. B. Humber; and his son, Earl Hays Humber.
He is survived by two children: Brenda Dean Humber, of Richmond, VA, and Susan Humber Ross and husband Tom Ross, of East Ridge, TN; and a daughter-in-law, Jo K. Humber, of Kingsport, TN. He was also affectionately known as “Papaw” to three grandchildren: Daniel Hays Humber and wife Kelly, of Columbia, SC; Jonathan Hays Humber and wife Kathryn, of Knoxville, TN; and Hannah Humber Ross, of Atlanta, GA. He was blessed to know three great-grandchildren: William Ryan and Ryan Andrew, of Columbia, SC; and Lucas Isaiah, of Knoxville, TN.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 1, at the South Crest Chapel of Lane Funeral Home will burial to follow at Lakewood Memory Gardens South.
Expressions of sympathy can be shared at www.lane-southcrestchapel.com.
In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to the Tennessee River Gorge Trust (information at www.trgt.org/donate/).
The family will receive friends on Monday, Aug. 1, from 12:30 p.m. until the service hour.
Arrangements are by the South Crest Chapel of Lane Funeral Home & Crematory, at the end of historic Missionary Ridge, Rossville.