Richard P Humphries

Richard P. Humphries, 77, of McCalla and Bessemer, died Thursday, June 22, 2023. He was a longtime Christian and past member of the Hopewell Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Richard’s greatest loves were his wife of 53 years, “Suzie” (Sylvia), who preceded him to Christ in 2018; his grandchildren; his three sons and their wives, as well as his extended family, friends, co-workers and neighbors. Richard’s passions included: Alabama football; gardening; fishing; Winston cigarettes; Johnny Cash music; fruit and pecan growing; family genealogy research; the Detroit Tigers baseball and anyone playing against the N.Y. Yankees. A 1963 graduate of McAdory High School, Richard attended Massey Business College, before starting his 32-year career at U.S. Steel in 1966 and retiring in 1998 at age 52. Richard believed, “A man was defined by his work…” and he poured his sweat and soul into his career, providing for his family. He enjoyed the most, his time interviewing, screening, and “weeding out” all but the best for the job at U.S. Steel, having manned the Blooming Mill, Pipe Mill and #5 Galvalume Lines as new operations at Fairfield Works. Additionally he loved the aspects of guiding thousands through the Personnel processes at U.S. Steel, alongside his most trusted and loving buddy, Bobby Culpepper. Richard took great pride in his ability to “read” people, to determine their level of talent to contribute in the workplace. The goal was to hire zero problems, “because your performance in the mill is a reflection on me, so you better not make me regret my decision.” As Richard would say, “I have already assessed and established an opinion in the first 2 minutes I have met you.” We take great comfort knowing Richard is now with his proclaimed Savior, Jesus Christ, as well as his wife, Sylvia Sellers Humphries; his parents, Grace Lucille and Percy Humphries; his brother, Dan Humphries; and his best friend and work partner for many years at U.S. Steel, Bobby Culpepper, among many other extended relatives and friends. Richard is survived by his three sons: Bryan (Kris), Ray (Layla) and Tim (Lindsey) Humphries; grandchildren: Kylie and Trent Humphries; Allie Royster and Anna Eady; and numerous extended family and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to a charity that helps children, like Hargis or The Big Oak Ranch. Visitation: Monday, June 26, 2023, 9am-10am Funeral service: Monday, June 26, 2023, 10am McCalla Memorial Funeral Home – Chapel Burial to follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery, Bessemer

Richard P Humphries

August 9, 1945 - June 22, 2023