Bill J. Humble

Bill J. Humble, a man of deep faith, dedicated teacher, intrepid adventurer, and devoted husband and father, embarked on his final journey surrounded by the love of his family on March 19″, 2024. He was 97 years old and of Amarillo, Texas.

Bill’s life started on September 18, 1926, in Springfield, Missouri. He was the only child to Boyd and Cora Humble. They soon moved to Monett, Missouri where he attended school and graduated as valedictorian of his class. He then went on to Freed-Hardeman College in Henderson, Tennessee in 1946. From there he received a Bachelors of Arts degree with highest honors from Abilene Christian College in 1948. While at Abilene Christian College, Bill met the love of his life Geraldine (Jerry) Carrington. Following graduation, they married in Dallas, Texas. The newlyweds went on to the University of Colorado following their wedding, where Bill earned his Masters of Arts degree in 1949. After graduation, he began preaching for the Ninth Avenue Church of Christ in St. Petersburg, Florida. He was a faculty member at Florida Christian College teaching Bible and church history and also served as a visiting professor of history at the University of Tamps. While in Florida, Bill and Jerry began their family and had two children, Eric Lane and Rebecca Lynne.

Bill continued his education earning a Doctorate from the University of Iowa in 1964. Following graduation, the family moved to Abilene, Texas where Bill began his long teaching career at Abilene Christian College. During his tenure at Abilene Christian, he served in many roles. He taught Bible, served as head of the Bible department, and was instrumental in helping to set up the first Doctorate of Ministry program, Academic Dean, and later Academic Vice President. Through his love of teaching, Bill was invited to teach and preach at numerous bible schools around the country and the world. This fueled his love of travel, which allowed him the opportunity to lead numerous tour groups to Israel and other places around the globe. Bill’s passion for the Bible and the Holy Lands spilled over into his passion for archeology. He was an avid collector of ancient oil lamps, and his impressive collection of oil lamps are on display at Abilene Christian University.

Above all else, Bill cherished his role as a loving husband, father, and grandfather. His unwavering love, support, and devotion to his family were the cornerstone of his life. He was preceded in death by his parents Boyd and Cora Humble, his wife Geraldine Humble, and his son Eric Humble. He is survived by his daughter Rebecca Liles and husband Ted, daughter-in-law Jan Humble, his grandchildren Amanda Young and husband Wes, Josh Liles and wife Tess, Cody Humble, and Joseph Humble, as well as ten great-grandchildren.

The Celebration of Bill Humble’s life will take place on Monday, March 25th, 2024, at Central Church of Christ Chapel at 10:30 a.m., 1401 S Madison Street, Amarillo, Texas.