Coach and mentor Ray Humphrey passed away on January 3, 2024
By Gail Pinsker
Long-time beloved SMMUSD employee Regence “Ray” Humphrey passed away on Jan. 3, 2024. Ray worked for SMMUSD for nearly 20 years, from 1993 to 2022.
Ray worked at both Santa Monica and Malibu High School. In December 2006, he became a permanent employee of the Malibu High School PE Department. He also was the head basketball, football, and track coach. He coached and mentored thousands of students and student-athletes over his career. Many stayed in touch with him after graduation, college, and careers.
The Celebration of Life for Ray will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at 1:00 p.m., at Brentwood School, 100 S Barrington Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90049 (Eagledome Gym). Attendees are asked to wear any sports-themed jersey, such as football or basketball.
The Brentwood School posted a photo and message on their social media: “With great sorrow and a heavy heart, we must share the tragic news that Brentwood’s beloved coach, Rey Humphrey, passed away yesterday after a brief illness. Mr. Humphrey joined Brentwood in 2015 and, over the years, coached football, track, and basketball. It is no exaggeration to say that he made a difference in the lives of every single student he coached. He mentored, motivated, and challenged students to do their very best. Brentwood athletes loved Coach Humphrey, and they knew, without a doubt, that he loved them, too.
In 2022, Mr. Humphrey took on the additional role of athletic administrative assistant. He was a remarkable member of our community — reliable, good-natured, and always ready to help — and over the years, he became a good friend to many Brentwood faculty and staff.
Coach Humphrey loved Brentwood, and we loved him back. May he rest in peace.
MHS Principal Patrick Miller said this about “Coach Hump”: Our community is heartbroken at the news of Coach Humphreys passing. A great coach, an even better friend, and a person who positively impacted thousands of MHS kids. He cared about them as his own. Not a pushover, but a friend, mentor, and advocate dedicated to each of their success. Here is an X post from Principal Miller: https://twitter.com/malibuprincipal/status/1745303792319656165
Cards can be mailed to Ray’s brother:
Andre Smith
1300 College Ave
Redlands, CA 92374
. . . or email: coachdrebasketball@gmail.com
A GoFundMe has been set up to cover funeral and celebration of life costs.
SMMUSD Superintendent Dr. Antonio Shelton and the SMMUSD Board of Education extend condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and former students and families. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time.
