Mack Humphrey

Jimmy Mack “Mack” Humphrey, 88, of Waco, Texas, and a long-time resident of Clarksville, passed away peacefully on October 5, 2025. He was born on August 27, 1937, in Clarksville, Texas (Red River County), to Berta Mae Humphrey.

Mack grew up in Clarksville and graduated from Clarksville High School, attended Tarleton State University, and earned a degree in secondary education from University of North Texas. He pursued graduate studies in mathematics at Oklahoma State University and the University of Buffalo as part of the federal government’s initiative to strengthen education in math and science during the Space Race era. He later went on to earn a degree in educational administration from East Texas State University.

Education was Mack’s lifelong calling. He began his career at Detroit Independent School District, where he served as a math teacher, coach, and junior high principal for two years. He then returned home to Clarksville to teach junior high and high school math before becoming high school principal in the 1960s. He served as business manager of Clarksville ISD for most of his career, and for a time, as superintendent. 

Beyond his professional work, Mack was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Clarksville and served for many years on the board of the Northeast Texas Teachers Federal Credit Union.

Mack was raised by his mother, Berta Mae, with the love and support of his many aunts and uncles. His devotion to his beloved wife Ouida Anne (Westbrook) Humphrey and to his family was his greatest legacy. He and Ouida shared 66 years of marriage, and their home was always open to extended family and their children’s many friends – a welcoming place filled with food, laughter, and fellowship. Mack delighted in being a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, investing time, wisdom, and love in every generation. He also shared a lifelong bond with his brothers, Don and Sammy, visiting each other daily. In the 1970s, the Humphrey Brothers enjoyed farming in Avery, Texas where they raised Charolais cattle and grew large crops of tomatoes and potatoes.

Gifted with a keen mechanical mind and determination, Mack could fix anything — from rebuilding a carburetor to constructing the family’s first home on West Madison Street with the help of his brothers and uncles. He often used his talents to help others, lending a hand in building and remodeling homes, garages, and other projects for family and friends. He also taught himself about computers and embraced learning new skills throughout life.

Mack loved to crappie fish with his brother Don, friends Johnny Jameson, Mack Brannan, Junior Parker, and many others. He was precise and thoughtful in all that he did, always striving to be resourceful, honest, and to do things the right way. His quiet faith guided his life and was reflected in the Christ-like love and kindness he showed to others. Known for a strong work ethic, he began supporting himself at an early age — delivering newspapers, working as a waiter, driving a local dry-cleaning van starting at age 13, spending summers with the Highway Department, and helping his brother Don after school in his trailer and auto parts business.

Mack is survived by his wife of many years, Ouida; his children, Leigh Martinez, Christy Ingram, John Mack (Alexandra) Humphrey, and Suzy (Martin) Wright; his grandchildren, Lindsey (Colby) Crelia, Mack (Jess) Martinez, Hailee (fiancée Hunter Houston) Ingram, Justen (Stef) Ingram, Hannah Jane Humphrey, Robert Martinez, Brad (Jean) Wright, Jackson Wright, and Stefanie (Chad) Phillips; and his great-grandchildren, Wilder Crelia, Woods Crelia, Elley Grace Havard, Berkley Havard, Gatlin Havard, Callen Ingram, Carter Wright, Claire Wright, Paxton Martinez, Knox Martinez, Teddi Houston, and Latney Phillips. He is also survived by his brothers, Don (Ruth) Humphrey and Sammy (Lou Ella) Humphrey; nieces and nephews, Michael Humphrey, Donna Meals, and Ginger Tidmore; and many extended family members and friends who cherished him.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Berta Mae, grandson, Travis Bonham Wright, and nieces, Nancy Lou Humphrey and Lisa Humphrey.

Mack will be remembered as a man of integrity, humility, devotion, and quiet strength — a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. He lived his faith daily, guided by a deep love of God, family, and country.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Grandson Home Care, The Blake at Waco, and Harbor Hospice for their kindness and dedicated care during the last months of Mack’s life.

Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at East Paris Baptist Church in Paris, Texas, with Rev. Matt Snowden officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Clarksville, Texas, under the direction of Clarksville Funeral Home.  Pallbearers will be Michael Humphrey, Jimmy Meals, Brad Wright, Jackson Wright, Justen Ingram, Mack Martinez, and Robert Martinez.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Red River County Public Library, 307 N. Walnut St., Clarksville, Texas 75426.

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