Joel Daniel Bumpus, Sr. passed peacefully on November 27, 2025 at the age of 86 after a hard-fought battle for life.

He was born to Frank and Ruby Bumpus in Birmingham, Alabama, on September 26, 1939. Joel attended Birmingham Public Schools, where his gift as an athlete became apparent during his high school years. He was an outstanding member of the football team at Ensley High School, winning many awards through his career there. After graduating from Ensley High, Joel attended Bethany Nazarene College for a short time, where he met Georgia Herren. They would go on to marry and have 3 children together. The family eventually settled down in Enid, Oklahoma during the late 60s, where Joel began working at Central Machine & Tool. He later ventured out and began his own business, J&J Machine Co. of North Enid. He was very successful in his career as a master machinist.

Joel built a few houses, refurbished a few Ford Mustangs, and showed himself to be a person of detail and quality in all things. This characteristic is especially clear in the results of his hobby of working with stained glass. There are beautiful creations floating around Enid and OKC that will hold his legacy for many years to come.

Joel is survived by his son, Joel Daniel Bumpus, Jr. (Sandra) of OKC; his daughters, Denise Bumpus Hutchings of El Reno and Dana Bumpus Buster of Auburn, Alabama; his grandchildren, Sara Buster Baraniuc (Moses), Nicole Bumpus, Joel Bumpus (Shelby), Matthew Buster, and Hollie Hutchings Weishampel (Hendrix); and his 5 great-grandchildren, Levi Baranuic, Noah Baranuic, Ruth Baranuic, David Baraniuc, and Cayce Weishampel. He is also survived by his dear brother, Dr. John Bumpus (Eva) of OKC; sister, Doris Davis (Lee) of Cullman, Alabama; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Many will remember Joel for his profound love of smoking meat, brisket especially. We will all miss your barbecue, but we will also miss your passion, your devotion to your family, your ornery moments, and your willingness to show up for those around you when they needed help, or just a listening ear. You've fought the good fight, you've won the race…finally. (Loose interpretation of 2 Timothy 4:7)

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Joel's memory may be given to the Building Fund of his church, First Church of the Nazarene, 324 N Cleveland, Enid, OK 73703, Tulakes Neighborhood Ministries, The ROC (Reaching Our City), or Fostering Our Village (via Mustang Nazarene Church).

Memorial services will be held on Friday, December 5, 11:30am, at Mustang Church of the Nazarene.