Walter Humphreys

Walter H. Humphreys died peacefully at home surrounded by family on Wednesday, June 8th 2016 in Mt. Airy, MD at the age of 67.

Walter is survived by his wife of 48 years, Virginia D. Humphreys; son, Justin P. Humphreys and wife Gina M. Humphreys; daughter, Krystal M. Humphreys; daughter in law, Shannon Humphreys;  his special pit bull, “Fat Dog” Skye; 4 grandchildren, Morgan S. Humphreys, Colton R. Humphreys, Gillian S. Humphreys, Hudson D. Humphreys; 13 siblings, Vandal, David, Gary “Goose”, Larry “Scholtz", Wayne, Pencie, Melba, Willy, Sherry, Sharon, Ray, Johnny, Jimmy; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. He is preceded in death by his eldest son, Walter “Dude” Humphreys Jr. of Frederick, MD.

Walter was born on December 10th, 1948 in White Sulphur Springs, WV to Raymond & Melba (Craddock) Humphreys. He married his first love, Virginia Humphreys in 1968. After moving to Maryland, Walter and Virginia started Finishes Inc. in 1979 and spent the rest of his life dedicated to the company as well as all the employees whom he held close to his heart. Over 16 years, the couple welcomed 3 children into their home and many other “children” throughout the years that Walter treated as if they were his own. His children remember him as a driven, kind, loving father who encouraged them to pursue their goals and happiness. In many ways he was so much more than a father. He was a best friend, a hero, and the true definition of the American dream.

Walter was accomplished at estimating which aided in the success of his family business. He was a generous individual who loved all people and often would make close relationships with strangers. He was passionate about home renovations, spending time with family, hot rods, boating, traveling, skiing, riding his Harley and spending time in his favorite place, Sanibel Island, FL.

Walter was a Vietnam USMC veteran who was proud of his service and was awarded a purple heart for his injuries sustained in Vietnam. He loved his Marine family and talked frequently about his “brothers”, Frank Newman (who saved his life twice in Vietnam) otherwise dubbed as his hero; Gary Benson; and Danny Shields. They are his special brothers not of blood but of sharing the camaraderie that only the trust of one’s life to others can bring.

The family will receive friends at the Stauffer Funeral Home, 1621 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick on Monday, June 13th from 2-4 and 6-8. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 14th at 11:00AM at International Community Church, 123 Byte Drive, Frederick with Brother Roland Wilhelm officiating.

Interment will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery and a reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Walter’s name to “Always Strong: Pitbull Rescue and Relocation" in Frederick, MD http://www.alwaysstrongpbrr.com, "Sleepy’s Dream" in Rockville, MD www.sleepysdream.org/donate or a charity of ones choice.

The family would like to especially thank Dr. Stephen Schulman with JHU Cardiology for his sincere care and efforts to ensure that Walter was always taken care of as well as Dr. Anna Pavlick with NYU who positively pushed Walter to fight through his battle with ocular melanoma.

“It broke our hearts to lose you but you did not go alone. A part of us went with you, the day God took you home. If tears could build a stairway, and heartaches make a lane, we’d walk our way to heaven and bring you back again. In life we loved you dearly, in death we love you still, in our hearts you hold a place no one could ever fill."