In Loving Memory of John L. Humphries
With profound sadness and heartfelt gratitude for a life of leadership, service, and dedication, we remember John L. Humphries, former General Manager of WYFF 4, who passed away on Monday following a distinguished career that left a lasting mark on broadcasting, journalism, and the communities he served.
John Humphries was far more than a respected television executive. To colleagues, friends, and family, he was a mentor, leader, advocate, and genuine friend whose warmth, integrity, and encouragement shaped countless lives throughout his remarkable career. His sudden passing has left the WYFF 4 family and the broader broadcasting community mourning the loss of a truly extraordinary individual.
For 18 years, Humphries dedicated himself to Hearst Television, building a legacy defined by professionalism, vision, and compassion. Most recently, he served as General Manager of WYFF News 4 until his retirement in December 2024, leading the station with a commitment to excellence that inspired everyone around him.
His appointment as president and general manager of WYFF 4 in 2016 marked a meaningful homecoming. Before that role, Humphries served six years at the station as general sales manager before going on to lead WGAL-TV, Hearst Television’s NBC affiliate serving the Lancaster-Harrisburg-Lebanon-York market. No matter where his career took him, John earned deep respect for his leadership style, work ethic, and unwavering belief in the power of local journalism.
Before joining Hearst Television in 2006, Humphries built an impressive career across multiple respected stations, including WBTV, WSPA-TV, and WSOC-TV. His professional journey reflected not only talent and determination, but also a genuine passion for storytelling, communication, and connecting with people.
Humphries began his broadcasting career in production and sports reporting before transitioning into sales and leadership roles, demonstrating a rare versatility and understanding of every aspect of the television industry. Those who worked with him often described him as a leader who understood people first — someone who listened carefully, encouraged growth, and believed deeply in teamwork.
A proud graduate of Appalachian State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Speech, Humphries maintained strong ties to his alma mater throughout his life, serving on the university’s Alumni Council. He also completed Hearst’s executive development program through the Hearst Management Institute, further reflecting his dedication to learning and leadership.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, John Humphries was deeply committed to community service and civic engagement. He served as past president of the board of the South Carolina Broadcasters Association and the SCBA Educational Foundation, contributing significantly to the future of broadcasting in South Carolina. His recent induction into the SCBA Hall of Fame stood as a fitting recognition of the impact he made on the industry he loved.
Humphries also devoted time and energy to numerous charitable and civic organizations, including the United Way of Greenville County, the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, the South Carolina Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and the Urban League of the Upstate. His dedication to inclusion and leadership was further recognized when he became a Riley Institute Diversity Fellow through Furman University.
Yet for all his professional honors and accomplishments, those closest to John will remember him most for the kind of person he was. He led with empathy, humility, and genuine care for others. Colleagues often spoke not only of his intelligence and leadership, but of his kindness, encouragement, and unwavering support.
The words shared by current WYFF News 4 General Manager Blake Bridges captured what so many felt: John was more than a boss or mentor — he was a friend, a cheerleader, and someone who inspired others simply by the way he lived and led.
Above all else, John Humphries was devoted to his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, his three daughters, and his granddaughter, all of whom were the center of his life and greatest source of pride and joy.
As the broadcasting community and countless friends mourn his passing, they also celebrate a life lived with purpose, integrity, and compassion. John Humphries leaves behind a legacy that extends far beyond television — one built on relationships, mentorship, service, and genuine humanity.
Though his voice may now be silent, his influence remains alive in every colleague he mentored, every journalist he encouraged, every community he supported, and every life he touched along the way.
Rest peacefully, John.
Your leadership, kindness, and legacy will never be forgotten.
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