ANDREW DARNELL HUDDLESTON

June 7, 1973 - August 9, 2010

Andrew Darnell Huddleston, was born June 7, 1973 in Richmond, California to Andrew D. Luckett and Carmen Jones, both are deceased. Andrew moved to Merced, California in 1983 and was later adopted by Tom and Frances Huddleston. Frances preceded him in death in 2000.

He became a member of the Saint Matthew Baptist Church where he was baptized. He participated in the Inspirational Choir as a youth and lead his first son "Jesus You're the Center of My Joy". He also served on the Usher Board and the Youth Department, where he inherited the name Chocolate Chip, but as he grew older, he preferred to be called, "Chip".

Chip was a graduate of Merced High School. He worked as a handyman and could fix just about anything or tear it up. One of his proudest moments was training for C.D.F. (California Department of Forestry). Chip loved cooking. Green and fried catfish became two of his specialties; he also loved being around kids and kids loved him. At times friends and loved ones had to remind him "those are my kids", he of course would throw back the smile everyone knew him for.

Chip was ill longer than what we could have imagined but never said a word; he endured his illness by himself at times, never complaining just being happy Chip. He was hospitalized, but continued to fight, he literally fought till the end but life on this side came to an end.

On August 9, 2010 Andrew departed this life. He leaves to cherish his memories his father, Thomas Huddleston; grandparents, Billy Luckett and Bonnie McKey of Los Angeles, CA; two brothers, Kenneth Huddleston of Oakland, CA, Allen Spencer Huddleston & sister-in-law, Barbara Huddleston of Merced; four sisters, DeAndrea Luckett, Lashona McDaniel, and Shontise Luckett, all of Richmond, CA; one son, DeMareus Huddleston; four aunts, Theresa Johnson, Jacquline Jones of Sacramento, CA, Betty Travis, Veronica Jones, of Elk Grove, CA, and nephews, nieces, cousins, other family members and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 14, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Matthew Baptist Church, 1057 N Street, Merced, CA. Burial will follow at Merced District Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home.