Last week, the City of Douglas announced the passing of a pillar in Douglas and Coffee County, former Parks and Recreation Department Director, Walter "Huck" Huckaby.
Huckaby passed away on Thursday, September 24, 2023, at Coffee Regional Medical Center in Douglas following an extended illness, according to his obituary.
When city officials announced his passing, they stated,
During his time of service to our youth, Huck truly cared for each and every child in Coffee County, especially the children who participated in recreation programs. He impacted the paths of children for decades because he believed in the youth of Coffee County.
City of Douglas Mayor Tony Paulk also shared,
Huck will be missed by many in our community and beyond. Huck was a man of great integrity and love for our children. It did not matter who you were or where you came from; Huck always believed in our youth. He impacted many lives and touched many lives - we have lost an invaluable champion for our youth.
City Manager Charlie Davis followed,
We have lost a truly great person, father, coach, mentor, and public servant. For decades, he was an integral part of our community's success, and his contributions are too numerous to name. We send our love and sympathy to Vicky, his friends, and members of his extended family.
Huckaby, according to the release, worked with the Douglas-Coffee County Parks and Recreation Department for almost 31 and a half years before retiring with the City of Douglas in 1988.
The Huckaby Complex at Jardine Stadium, which is utilized for adult and youth softball games, was named after Huckaby to recognize him for his longtime dedication to local athletics.
City officials emphasized,
The Huckaby Complex at Jardine Stadium stands as a lasting tribute to a leader for the youth in our community. The City of Douglas extends our deepest condolences to Vicky, his family, and everyone who was impacted by Huck. Please keep the Huckaby family in your thoughts and prayers as they go through this difficult time.
Sims Funeral Home released Huckaby's obituary, announcing that he will be laid to rest on Monday, September 18.
The obituary reads,
Walter “Huck” Huckaby, age 88, of Douglas, GA, passed away on Thursday, September 14th, 2023, at Coffee Regional Medical Center, following an extended illness. Mr. Huckaby was born on August 31th, 1935 to the late Mr. Cecil Earl Huckaby and Mrs. Mary Mae Powell.
Survivors include: His Beloved Wife; Vicky Johnson Huckaby of Douglas, GA, One Son; Gary Huckaby of Athens, GA, Two Step-Daughters; Glena Bailey of Douglas, GA, Donna (Jonathan) Smith of Douglas, GA, One Brother; Clark Powell of Forsyth, GA, Several Grandchildren, Great-Grandchildren, Nieces and Nephews. He was preceded in death by: One Son; Victor Huckaby, One Step-Son; Jimmy Lowry, Father; Cecil Earl Huckaby, and Mother; Mary Mae Powell.
Mr. Huck will lie in state from 9 AM until 12 PM, on Monday, September 18th, 2023, at the Central Square Gym in Douglas, GA.
Funeral Service will be held at First Baptist Church on Monday, September 18th, 2023, at 1 PM, with Bro. Shep Johnson, Rev. Don Hataway, and Michael “Stump” Brown will do the eulogy. Interment will follow at The City of Douglas Cemetery.
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