Ryan M. Humphrey

Ryan Michael Humphrey, 49, of Kure Beach, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Ryan lived life to the fullest every day. He was brilliant, outspoken, and larger than life, with a booming laugh and an endless supply of stories. Ryan managed to see and do more in 49 years than most people do in a lifetime. The world is a little quieter now and we were not prepared for the silence his loss would bring.

Ryan loved fiercely, especially his wife of 26 years, Stephanie, whom he adored. He was famous for leaving love notes and small surprises for her. He also loved their dog, Mickey, and it was common for friends on the island to see Ryan and Mickey cruising the neighborhoods on the golf cart listening to music at full volume. And Ryan’s father, Michael, was his hero, and no amount of distance ever changed that.

A graduate of Central High School in Evansville, Indiana, Ryan played baseball and tennis and developed a lifelong love of chess. He earned his degree from the University of Southern Indiana in 1998 and built a successful career in Supply Chain Management in North Carolina. In 2010, he was named a Supply Chain Executive Pro to Know. His work and curiosity took him all over the world, and he embraced every experience.

Ryan is survived by his wife, Stephanie Humphrey; his father, Michael Humphrey of Evansville, Indiana; his sister, Dana Humphrey of Evansville, Indiana; his mother-in-law, Melinda Hay of Blanchard, Oklahoma; and many beloved extended family members. He was preceded in death by his mother, Jeanne Humphrey, his grandparents, George and Dorothy Humphrey, and his father-in-law Kerry Hay.

A Celebration of Life will be held on January 31 from 1:00–4:00 p.m. at the American Legion Post 129 in Carolina Beach. Please come ready to laugh and tell stories just as Ryan would have wanted.

Tranquility Cremation by Aquamation

2209 Delaney Avenue, Wilmington, NC 28403