Snellville, Ga - Colonel Horace Humphries Jr., United States Air Force (Retired), a respected military officer, community leader, and proud son of Milledgeville, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 28, 2026.

Affectionately known as "Junior" during his early years, Colonel Humphries was raised in the close-knit community of Milledgeville, where family, faith, education, and service shaped the foundation of his life. His parents were respected local business owners whose neighborhood store and cleaners served generations of Milledgeville families and helped foster a legacy of entrepreneurship, generosity, and community leadership.

He was a 1959 honors graduate of Boddie High School, a cornerstone of education for Milledgeville's African-American community. He met his high school sweetheart and future wife of 60 years, Joyce Hooks Humphries, niece of Milledgeville barbecue legend George Hooks. The union brought two families deeply rooted in faith, entrepreneurship, and community leadership.

From those early foundations, he went on to attend Tuskegee University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree and graduated with honors from the ROTC program. In 2017, he was also admitted into the Tuskegee ROTC Hall of Fame.

Colonel Humphries went on to serve his country with distinction for more than 26 years in the United States Air Force, ultimately retiring with the rank of Colonel. His military career was defined by integrity, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Following his military service, he continued a life dedicated to public service and mentorship. He founded the Junior ROTC program at Normandy High School in St. Louis, Missouri, where he inspired and guided countless young people through discipline, leadership, and character development.

He later served the community of O'Fallon, Illinois, as Police Commissioner for 21 years and contributed to regional public safety initiatives through the O'Fallon Fire and Police Board and the Southern Illinois Law Enforcement Commission.

Despite his national service and leadership, Colonel Humphries remained deeply connected to his hometown. In recognition of his distinguished military career and lifelong commitment to leadership and service, he was presented with the Key to the City of Milledgeville. In 2025, he returned to Georgia to reconnect with his family and extended family community, spending meaningful time with loved ones in the place where his journey first began.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Colonel Humphries was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, friend, and mentor. His life reflected a deep commitment to service, leadership, and family. Colonel Humphries leaves behind a legacy of leadership, mentorship, and service that will continue to inspire generations to come.

He was preceded in death by his father, Horace Humphries Sr.; his mother, Maude Huff Humphries; his brothers, Marion Ward and William E. Humphries II; and his son, Timothy Keith Humphries.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Joyce Hooks Humphries; his daughter, Leslie Humphries Williams (Rasheed); his nephew, Dr. William E. Humphries III (Courtney); his cherished granddaughter, Nalah Humphries Williams; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Celebration of Life Services as well as Military honors and burial will take place on April 11, 2026 at 11:30am at Friendship Baptist Church, 685 GA Highway 24 E Milledgeville, GA 31061.

Celebration of Life services held on March 28, 2026, at First United Methodist Church in O'Fallon, Illinois is still available to view via live stream on

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The family graciously welcomes your memorial contributions in honor of Colonel Horace Humphries, Jr. to the scholarship fund at Tuskegee University: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/TUROTC