Raymond Evelyn (known as Myles) Humphreys was born on 24 March 1925 to Raymond and May Humphreys. He was educated at Skegoneill Primary School, Londonderry High School and Belfast Royal Academy.

Humphreys worked as a research engineer with the Northern Ireland Transport Board (which was merged into the Ulster Transport Authority in 1948). Humphries subsequently looked after the transport logistic of numerous companies including Nestlé's Food Products and Quick Service Stations.

He was first elected to Belfast City Council in 1964 and served until 1981. He represented the Ulster Unionist Party.

He was chairman of the Council's Planning Committee and the Town Planning and Environmental Health Committee. Humphries was chairman of the Northern Ireland Police Authority from 1978-80 and was Chairman of the Ulster Tourist Development Association from 1968-78. Humphreys sat on the board of many charitable and voluntary organisations. He was a trustee of the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, Belfast Harbour Commissioner, and President of the Belfast Youth Orchestra. Humphreys was knighted in 1977.