Joe Denny Humphrey, age 75, passed away peacefully on November 5, 2025, at his residence surrounded by his family.

Joe Denny was born on July 4,1950 in Nashville, Tennessee to the late Clyde Thomas and Clara Marie Lowery Humphrey. He retired as General Manager of ECMD. He was an avid sports fan - watching everything from boxing to baseball. He always loved the outdoors, even enjoying fox hunting in his younger years. His fall Saturdays were devoted to cheering on the University of Tennessee, while every Sunday was devoted to serving the Lord at Sparta First Freewill Baptist Church where he was a long-time member. "Papa", as he was affectionately known, provided a sense of family and belonging to all who had the privilege of knowing him. His passing will forever leave a void in the hearts of his family and friends.

In addition to his parents, Joe Denny is preceded in death by his son Kevin Young and brother Thomas Humphrey.

He is survived by his wife of fifty years, Janice McBride Humphrey; daughter, Katy Hurd, son-in-law Steve Hurd; daughter, Kim England and son-in-law Tommy England; six grandchildren, Kayleigh (Robbins) Allen (Dustin), Chelsea (England) White (John), Jake Young, Maddie Hurd, Ellie Hurd and Max Hurd; seven great-grandchildren; and brother Eddy Wayne Humphrey (Phyllis), sisters, Pam McKay (Henry) and Dotty Pitman (Royce); and many extended family members.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Sparta First Freewill Baptist Church located at 35 Baker Street, Sparta, Tennessee.  The family will receive friends 11:00am Saturday at the church. The service will be officiated by Bro. Gary Farris and Bro. Rudy Oakes. Following the service, Joe Denny will be laid to rest at Plainview Freewill Baptist Church.

Serving as pallbearers, Steve Hurd, Tommy England, Jake Young, Max Hurd, Zade Brown, Dujuan (DJ) Keele, Steven McBride and Jason Pitman.  Honorary pallbearers are Maddie Hurd, Ellie Hurd and Ryatt Verble.