Kenneth King Humphreys

JANUARY 19, 1938 – MAY 26, 2023

Kenneth King Humphreys of Morganton, NC, has finished his earthly journey. In his 85 years he tackled many engineering, preaching, and community service projects with intense energy, determination and expertise. After graduation from Carnegie Institute of Technology, he received a master’s degree from West Virginia University and a doctorate from Kennedy Western University.

As a professional engineer he served as executive director of AACE (American Association of Cost Engineers), co-founder of ICEC (International Council of Cost Engineers) and assistant dean of mining engineering at West Virginia University.

After retirement, Ken became a Presbyterian commissioned lay pastor. He served several western NC churches and preached in over 20 others. At Grace Ridge Retirement Center, Ken served as Spiritual Life Chair and often preached at weekly chapel services (including from a second-floor balcony to residents seated in the parking lot during Covid).

Inspired by his boyhood Scoutmaster, Ken led Scout troops in Pittsburgh, PA, Morgantown, WV and Valdese, NC for over 40 years. He was recipient of the Boy Scouts of America Silver Beaver award. In addition to his world-wide travels, Ken loved trains and was a volunteer tourist trolley driver in Washington, PA and Charlotte, NC.

Ken is survived by his wife Betsy, their four children, and five grandchildren: Ken Jr. (Kelly); Keith (Kristy, Owen, Lionel); Kevin (Vanessa, Elizabeth, Conner); and Karen Brown (Chris, Emmett). He was preceded in death by his parents, Meredith and Olga, and his brother Jim.

A family interment service will be held soon. Our family thanks the caring staff, faithful residents of Grace Ridge, and the Amorem Hospice Professionals that assisted in his final journey.

Memorial contributions may be sent to the Grace Ridge Endowment Fund or Boy Scouts of America.

Kirksey Funeral Home of Morganton has the honor of serving the family.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kirkseyfh.com for the Humphreys family.