He is survived by ex-wife but still friends, Linda Huffman Hodges; sons, Brent (Beverly) and Sean (Laura); granddaughters, DiLaina Huffman (Bret), Haylea Shires, Kharlea Mears, Allisson Southers and Bethany Southers. Also an exceptionally devoted caregiver, Bonnie Tomlinson; nieces, Sharon Smith, Wanda Lawhorne, and Traci McDaniel; and nephew, Randy Lawhorne.

On the morning of Monday, March 17, after 87 years, William Francis “Monk” Huffman told his caregiver Bonnie, “I’m going home today.” A short time later, he peacefully left this earth and walked straight into the arms of his Savior.

Growing up during the Depression was not an easy thing to do, but Bill Huffman did it. Using the hardships he endured, he developed a legendary sense of loyalty, grit, determination, self-discipline and self-reliance that we should all aspire to replicate.

As a young boy who wanted to play sports, he worked hard and became an exceptional teammate and athlete, lettering in baseball, football and basketball. In 2013, his athletic achievements were recognized, and he was inducted into the Parry McCluer Hall of Fame.

After high school, Bill joined the Marines, serving two years, where these same attributes produced an exemplary Marine.

Upon leaving the Marines, Bill married, Linda, and had two sons, Brent and Sean, to whom he was devoted. At the same time, he attended and then graduated from East Tennessee State University with a teaching degree. He then went on to Virginia Polytechnic Institute where he obtained a master’s degree in education. Afterwards, he taught physical education and coached wrestling, working with a countless number of students until he retired in 1992.

During this same time, he could be found near any barn or shed that might have needed to be torn down. Taking these huge barns apart, many times totally on his own, allowed him to build a remarkable four-story house on the outskirts of Lexington. Mind you, he was not a trained carpenter; he was just a determined man full of grit, selfdiscipline and self-reliance. He then became a landlord, again touching the lives of many for the next 20-plus years. During this same time, he also honed his blackberry picking and pink tomato planting skills.

Throughout the entirety of his life, Bill loved laughing and being around people, whether it was out dancing, hanging out at local restaurants, socializing with his many friends, selling blackberries, or giving away both tomatoes and tomato plants, because he always planted 500 too many. Loyal and selfless to a fault, Bill Huffman was an exceptional human being and will be deeply missed.

A memorial service will be conducted at 4 p.m. Thursday, March 27, at Bolling, Grose & Lotts Funeral Chapel with Brother Dorsey Hostetter officiating.

Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Arrangements are being handled by Bolling, Grose, & Lotts Funeral Home and Cremation Services. NG