Berlin Blaine Huffman

Berlin Blaine Huffman

Berlin B. Huffman, a devoted husband, father, and distinguished fighter pilot in the U.S. Air Force, at the age of 97, has undertaken his final mission to answer Heaven's call. He died peacefully in his home on Tuesday, May 31, 2022, surrounded by his daughters.

Berlin, a native of rural Craig County, Virginia, was born on December 27, 1924. He with his two brothers, Joe, and Wayne, were the sons of Herman and Lucy Huffman. He was a dedicated Christian who spent a lifetime in service to the church, our country, his family, and was a true friend to all.

Berlin was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Sue Huffman. He is survived by his daughter, Jeannie Reynolds and her husband, Tim Reynolds; stepdaughter, Kim Garst and her husband, Joseph Garst and their two sons, Tyler and Logan; stepdaughter, Robin Venden and her husband, Kelly Venden and their two daughters, Mia and Maura; stepdaughter, Ronda Moore and her husband, David Moore and their three children, Jesse, Emma, and Abigail; an abundance of nieces and nephews, and many other relatives and close friends.

He answered the nations call to service at the height of World War II, when he volunteered for flight training with the U.S. Army Air Corps, predecessor to today's U.S. Air Force. He was inducted as a cadet into the U.S. Army February 4, 1943, and began his training as a fighter pilot. His first operational fighter was the P-40 Warhawk. His transition to the U.S. Air Force happened on January 5, 1953, where he served with distinction until his retirement on August 31, 1972. His journey took him from having to ride horses to school as a child to mastering the aviation jet age as a fighter pilot with combat tours in both the Korea conflict and Vietnam. He would later serve as a proud member of the Order of Starfighters flying the F-104, the first operational aircraft to sustain Mach 2 flight. During his career he additionally flew the F-86 Sabre, F-100 Super Sabre, as well as many other USAF training and support aircraft. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for valor in the skies over Vietnam, numerous Air Medals, and many other Air Force medals and decorations.

His faith gave us strength, his courage provided inspiration, his love bound his family, and his life brought happiness to all it touched. He will be greatly missed…

I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us. Then said I, 'Here am I. Send me." Isaiah, 6:8.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, June 4, 2022, at New Castle Christian Church. The family will recieve friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Friday, June 3, 2022, at the New Castle Christian Church.

The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider donating to Blue Ridge College of Evangelism.