John Humphries Obituary – Death – The broadcasting community is mourning the loss of John Humphries, longtime media executive and former president and general manager of WYFF News Channel 4, who passed away on May 11 at the age of 68.
Humphries, a respected leader in television broadcasting, retired from WYFF in December 2024 after decades of service in the industry. His death has prompted heartfelt tributes from colleagues, friends, and community leaders who remembered him not only for his professional accomplishments but also for his kindness, mentorship, and integrity.
He is survived by his wife, Anita, three daughters, and a granddaughter.
A native of Charlotte, North Carolina, Humphries graduated from Appalachian State University in 1979 and began his broadcasting career that same year at WSOC, the ABC affiliate in Charlotte. During his 18 years there, he worked in a variety of roles that helped establish his reputation in the industry.
From 1997 through 2012, Humphries served in multiple sales leadership positions at WSPA in Spartanburg, WBTV in Charlotte, and Greenville’s WYFF. He later became president and general manager of WGAL, Hearst Television’s NBC affiliate in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, serving in that role from 2012 to 2016.
In 2016, Humphries returned to Greenville to lead WYFF News Channel 4 as president and general manager, a position he held until his retirement last year.
Beyond broadcasting, Humphries dedicated significant time to civic and professional organizations. He served as president of both the South Carolina Broadcasters Association board and the SCBA Educational Foundation. He also contributed to the boards of United Way of Greenville County, the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, the Urban League of the Upstate, and the South Carolina Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
In a statement released following Humphries’ death, current WYFF President and General Manager Blake Bridges reflected on the profound impact he had on the station and its employees.
“John was so much more than a boss, a mentor, and leader to us,” Bridges said. “John was our friend, our cheerleader, our biggest fan. He led by example, with courage, empathy, and an unrelenting commitment to excellence. He was truly one of a kind.”
Longtime friend and fellow broadcaster Bill Ellis, co-host of the Ellis and Bradley Morning Show on WSSL 100.5, also shared heartfelt memories of Humphries. Ellis, who attended Appalachian State University with him, said their lives crossed paths repeatedly over the past five decades.
“He once told me, ‘I always wanted to be you. I just wasn’t good enough,’” Ellis recalled. “Truthfully, it was he who set the high standard at everything he did. John was kind, thoughtful and a true gentleman. I’ve never known a better person.”
As tributes continue pouring in, John Humphries is being remembered as a respected broadcaster, dedicated community leader, and compassionate friend whose influence reached far beyond the newsroom. His legacy in journalism and public service will continue to be felt throughout the Carolinas and beyond.