Robert McClelland Huff

Robert McClelland Huff

Robert McClelland Huff of Charlottesville, Virginia, died at home on Wednesday, September 30, 2009, at the age of 85.

Mr. Huff was born in Arlington, Virginia, on July 1, 1924, the son of John Albert Huff and Leah Josephine Pumphrey Huff. Also preceding him in death were two brothers, John Prentice Huff and Richard Allen Huff.

Mr. Huff graduated from Washington and Lee High School in Arlington in 1943. Immediately after graduation, he joined the war effort and began training with the Army Air Forces, where he flew the iconic P-40 Warhawk, igniting a life-long love of flying and airplanes.

After the war, Mr. Huff returned to Charlottesville to begin his undergraduate studies at the University of Virginia, where he was captain of the baseball team. He went on to study law and earned his J.D. from the University of Virginia in 1952.

After a 12-year tenure with State Farm Insurance, Mr. Huff set up private practice in Charlottesville, becoming a prominent local attorney. He also served as a substitute Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court Judge.

Throughout his life, Mr. Huff maintained an ardent interest in sports, airplanes, and animals. As a former player, Mr. Huff was an avid supporter of the University of Virginia's baseball and football teams. He advocated for the humane care and welfare of animals, repeatedly rescuing dogs and cats in need and obtaining proper medical care for them. He was a devoted life-long member of the University Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Lola Halene Huff; two children, Robert Huff and Deborah Smith, both of Charlottesville; four grandchildren, Robert Huff II of Richmond, Heather Huff-Simonin of Charlottesville, Courtney Smith of Himesville, Georgia, and Alexandra Smith of Charlottesville; and five great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to Charlottesville-Albemarle Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 160, Charlottesville, VA 22902.

There will be a graveside service 1 p.m. Friday, October 2, 2009, at Culpeper National Cemetery officiated by the Reverend Margarete Gillette of Broadus Memorial Baptist Church.

The family thanks the nurses of Sentara Home Care for their love and Compassion shown to Bob during his illness.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.hillandwood.com.


This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.