CSM William Howard Huff Sr.

CSM William Howard Huff Sr. was born on April 26, 1929, in Atlanta, GA, to the late William Henry Huff and Willie Lou Morgan Huff of Atlanta, GA. He was the grandson of the late William Henry Huff and Ada Mae Brawner of Lexington, GA and AC Morgan and Georgia Malone Morgan Jewell of Atlanta, GA. He was the only boy of five children and grew up in the Buttermilk Bottom neighborhood in Atlanta, GA. Growing up, he enjoyed hiding under porches, shooting marbles, growing gardens, and jumping from roof to roof. He always worked from a young age, learning many skills. He attended David T. Howard High School in Atlanta, GA, where he met the love of his life, Willene McGhee. Once he entered the military, he rose quickly to leadership. He was trained in many roles and he obtained extensive education while in the military. He fearlessly endorsed qualified black soldiers under his command to be promoted from sergeants to first sergeants, which allowed them to receive higher pay and move into better military housing. He sternly demanded equality and confronted the racism of military leaders. He was courageous during war, protecting his men and surviving the circumstances. He counseled many top-ranking military and government officials. He served proudly and retired honorably as a Command Sergeant Major from the U.S. Army in 1980 with 30 plus years of service. He loved his family and labored endlessly to ensure they were provided for. He instilled countless lessons in his children and grandchildren, most importantly; he personified love as the example to live by. He loved his extended family and did anything he could to be of service to them. He was a respected community leader, looking out for everyone who crossed his path. He was a long-time member and Deacon at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Atlanta, GA, which he revered greatly. He loved and served the Lord Jesus Christ every day of his life. CSM William Howard Huff Sr. is preceded in death by his loving wife, Willene McGhee Huff, youngest daughter Arlene Leslie Huff, great-granddaughter Farah Eden-Joi and three sisters, Charlene Huff Gilmer, Georgie Huff Smith, and Juanita Huff Wilson. He leaves to mourn eight children, three sons: Charles Henry Garrett (Peggy), William Eugene Huff (Patricia), and Minister William Howard Huff Jr. (Cheryl); five daughters: Dr. Cassandra Denise Huff, Daphne Aline Bevel (Henry), Luvenia Willene Huff, Regina Louise Copeland, and Anita Cynthia Huff White. Additionally, Dennis Williams, Valerie Gotch Garrett, Stacey Copeland, and Anthony Moss. He also leaves behind nine granddaughters, thirteen grandsons, fifteen great-granddaughters, eight great-grandsons, one great-great-granddaughter, and one great-great-grandson, as well as one sister, Leona Odessa Huff James, brother-in-laws George Gilmer, Alvin James, Norman Wilson, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and neighbors whom he loved dearly. The Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at 12:00 PM at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 2174 M.L.K. Jr. Dr. SW, Atlanta, GA 30310.

Tributes

CSM William Howard Huff Sr.

April 26, 1929 - June 9, 2024