Robert Lee Huffman

Robert Huffman

Robert Lee "Bob" Huffman, 80, of Goose Creek Road in Waynesboro, died Wednesday, October 28, 2009, at Augusta Health.

He was born in Buena Vista on September 6, 1929, the son of the late Dan Lee and Pauline (Flint) Huffman. On December 20, 1952, he was married to the late Nancy Jane Burch. The couple shared a devoted and blessed union of more than 44 years.

Mr. Huffman had attended Tinkling Spring Presbyterian Church in Fishersville and was also a veteran of the United States Air Force. Bob had retired from Virginia Power as the Director of Safety for the Western Division, after more than 27 years of service. Following his retirement from Virginia Power, Bob began to pursue his love for artwork and participated in the Artist in Residence Program held by various local middle schools, teaching hundreds of children the art of papier-m?ch?. He played an integral role in starting the Waynesboro Art Show, now part of the Fall Foliage Festival, as well as chairing the steering committee for the Shenandoah Valley Art Center. Starting as a Cub Scout parent, Mr. Huffman endorsed Waynesboro's Boy Scouts of America Program, actively participating in local events when he could. He started the local Scouting tradition of totem pole carving. Through his service in Scouting, he was elected to the Vigil level of Order of the Arrow, as well as receiving the Silver Beaver Award. His totem pole carving took him to the Boy Scout National Jamboree, as well as New Jersey and Texas. Bob will be remembered for his love and desire to carve wood. From totem poles to a ten-foot alligator, his art abilities were, in many minds, unparalleled. Bob always found ways to serve others; He was the last surviving life member of the Buena Vista Rescue Squad, and he was the longest serving member of the Waynesboro Exchange Club, where he played Santa Claus, giving gifts to the underprivileged children.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Nancy Jane (Burch) Huffman, of Buena Vista, on October 30, 1997. He was also preceded in death by his second wife of eight years, Kathleen (Jarvis) Huffman, on November 6, 2007; brother-in-law, James "Buddy" Hall; and a niece, Pamela (Hall) Staats.

He is survived by his son, Michael S. Huffman and his wife, Cindy (Summers); daughter, Susan Sandridge and her husband, Phil; one sister, Doris "Sissy" Hall; five grandchildren, Debbie Sandridge, Phillip Sandridge and his wife, Audra, Rebecca (Huffman) Hall and her husband, Adam, Stephen Huffman and David Huffman; six great- grandchildren, Fiona and Gideon Hall, Dalton, Kailey, Waylon and Grace Sandridge; as well as one niece, Jo (Hall) Tomlin and her husband, Randy.

The family would like to express their appreciation to Augusta Health and its caregivers, including Drs. Baker, Barrett and Toomey, ER nurses, Teresa and Tiffany, and RN Ashley, for at all times they were caring and compassionate during Mr. Huffman's illness.

A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, October 31, 2009, at Tinkling Spring Presbyterian Church with the Reverend Jason Whitener and the Reverend Merle Fisher officiating. Interment will follow at Augusta Memorial Park in Waynesboro.

The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Friday, October 30, 2009, at the Waynesboro Chapel of Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes and Crematory, 618 West Main Street.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the Boy Scouts of America, 801 Hopeman Parkway, Waynesboro, VA 22980.

Friends and relatives are invited to view this obituary and share condolences or memories with the family www.reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com.


This obituary was originally published in the News Virginian.