Benjamin Huffman

Durham - Benjamin Huffman lost his courageous battle with brain cancer on Sept. 14 2009. He died peacefully at UNC Memorial Hospital Cancer Center in Chapel Hill. He was 40 years old. Ben was born on Oct. 3, 1968, to Benny L. Huffman of Valdese and the late Selenah Pons Huffman. He was a member of the Waldensian Presbyterian Church. Ben's passions in life included cooking, Carolina football and basketball, traveling and constant dedication to all of his endeavors. Even in his final days he continued his positive mental attitude and zest for life. During his 23-year career in the hospitality industry Ben was employed with Landlubber's, Spanky's, The Carolina Club, Ruby Tuesday and his current employer, Red Robin. He is survived by his loving wife Lisa Ghia-Huffman of 13 years; his father Benny Huffman; his aunts Rebecca Pons Hall Morgan of Chapel Hill and Paula Huffman Kandarian of Cumberland, R.I.; and his uncle Harold Huffman of Morganton. Also surviving are his cousins, Matthew Huffman of New York, N.Y., Michael Huffman of Portland, Ore., Tony Hall of Chapel Hill and Tom Hall of St Louis, Mo. In addition to his mother, Ben was preceded in death by his grandparents Lewis and Nannie Rhoney Huffman and Onesime Benjamin and Anna Hughes Pons and his uncle Lewis Huffman Jr. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Walker's Funeral Home at 120 W. Franklin St., Chapel Hill. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday at the University Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Bob Dunham officiating. The church is located at 209 East Franklin St., Chapel Hill. Interment will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Cemetery. A service celebrating Benjamin's life will be held at noon Sept. 26, at Waldensian Presbyterian Church at 109 E. Main St., Valdese. Officiating will be the Rev. Dr. Kevin E. Frederick. Memorials may be made to the music program of the Waldensian Presbyterian Church.