Eugene Hillard Huckaby Jr.

HUCKABY, EUGENE HILLARD, JR. Eugene Hillard Huckaby, Jr., affectionately known as "Huck", 74, of West Haven, CT passed away October 31, 2012. Eugene was born to the late Eugene H. Huckaby, Sr. and Annie Smith Huckaby on January 29, 1938 in New Haven, CT. Huck was the oldest of nine children and graduated from Hillhouse High School in 1956 where he was part of the "Wonder 5" basketball team. After high school, he went to work with the U.S. Postal Service. In 1961, Huck embarked on an entrepreneurial journey partnering with David Waller & Reid Davis to establish Davis & Waller Pharmacy on Newhall & Goodrich Streets, the 1st African-American owned pharmacy in CT. They would go on to open several other locations on Dixwell & Henry Streets, the Dixwell Plaza and Newhall & Ivy Streets. Huck & David subsequently transitioned the pharmacy on Dixwell & Henry Streets to The Unique Boutique, the 1st African-American owned beauty & barber supply store in CT. In 1974, they opened a second location on Chapel St. in downtown New Haven. He was also involved in several successful real estate development partnerships in the New Haven area. The success of these businesses would lead Huck to receive numerous awards from organizations including the NAACP, Black Enterprise Magazine, New Haven Business & Professional Association and St. Luke's Church. While committed to pioneering minority business ownership, nothing was more important to Huck than family & church. He was a faithful member of Immanuel Baptist Church where he also served as an usher. In addition to providing for his wife Beverly and children Darryl & Lynne, he played an integral role in the lives of his parents, sisters, bothers, nieces and nephews. He was also a "father figure" and mentor to many children in the community. Huck's success as a business owner also inspired many to the path of entrepreneurship. Huck leaves to cherish his memory; wife, Beverly Huckaby of West Haven; son, Darryl E. Huckaby of MD; daughter, Lynne A. Huckaby of PA; brothers, Edward Huckaby of VA, Elmer Huckaby of West Haven, Ernest Huckaby of MD, Elbert Huckaby of Bristol; sisters, Edith Robinson of FL, Elnora Gardin of New Haven, Ezellah Williams of FL, Elaine Goodson of West Haven; and a host of relatives and friends. A celebration of his life will take place Friday, November 9, 2012 at 11AM at Immanuel Baptist Church, 1324 Chapel Street. New Haven, CT 06511 with calling hours Friday at the church from 9-11AM. Interment will take place at Evergreen Cemetery, New Haven. Services provided by Howard K. Hill Funeral Services, 1287 Chapel St New Haven, CT 06511. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org) in memory of Eugene Hillard Huckaby, Jr. To leave a message of comfort for the Huckaby family, please visit www.hkhfuneralservices.com