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BORN
1959
DIED
2024
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Bill Huckaby Obituary
August 13 1959 - June 8, 2024
Bill Huckaby, 64, who as Director of Outreach for Toledo Men of God, was instrumental in founding one of the largest food pantries in Lucas County, passed away on Saturday June 8, 2024 from complications of a heart attack. Bill was born in New York and grew up in the Boston area. His parents met in Europe at the end of World War II. His mother, Herte Spiess was German and his father William Huckaby, Sr was African-American. Growing up bi-racial in New England shaped Bill's outlook. He loved God and loved God's people, and believed in expressing God's love through strengthening community.
Bill moved to the Toledo area in 2001 to sell cars and quickly became involved in the local community, working with veterans at the Cherry Street Mission. He also founded a program that taught home improvement skills to high school students and then sent them to help senior citizens who needed home repairs. It was through a mutual friend at Cherry Street that Bill met Arlene, then an independent pastor. Both grew up in New England and their friend thought that as New Englanders they might have something in common. They were married in 2011 and helped build the Greater Grace Church together. Bill helped find the building and oversaw the interior work. The food pantry that Bill helped found has grown to serve more than 500 families a month.
In his free time, Bill was a grill master who loved to smoke any kind of meat. He loved jazz, R&B and traveling. He is on the board of the Toledo Gospel Rescue Mission. He will be remembered as a man who was always ready and willing to help others but also firm and strong in his convictions.
He is survived by a son, Thomas Huckaby of Toledo and his wife Melissa; and grandchildren, Anna Martinez, Kayden Huckaby and Thomas Huckaby Jr.; and daughter, Tiana Johnson and her husband Ryan who are stationed in England; and grandchildren Noah Ryan, Xander Ryan and Natalia Atkinson. His wife, Arlene Huckaby of Toledo and her children Antonio Coles (Nesh,) Antonio III, Amir Brown and Xavier Boles all of Waterbury, CT. He is also survived by a special niece, Heidi Gerstner and her children Darin, Carl, Reggie and Rate; and special niece, Rene (Ben Carney) and her children Eddie Tiggs and Dewayne Tiggs.
Funeral service will be held on Friday, June 21 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. with a viewing at the House of Day 2550 Nebraska Avenue. There will be a wake on Saturday June 22 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. followed by a service at Greater Grace Christian Church 3342 Monroe Street, Toledo from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 Noon. Memorial contributions in Bill's name may be made to the Greater Grace Christian Church or the food pantry.
https://www.houseofday.com/
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Memories and Condolences
for Bill Huckaby
6 Entries
Kelly Llanas
June 18, 2024
Kelly Llanas
June 18, 2024
Kelly Llanas
June 18, 2024
Kelly Llanas
June 18, 2024
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Kelly Llanas
June 18, 2024
Bill was a TGRM Board member, but that sprung out of his heart to serve those in need! He also was a very good public speaker, though he would never acknowledge it, and he had an uncanny way of telling it like it was! I didn´t get to see him much after leaving TGRM, and I regret not being able to have a chance to talk just one more time. He will always have a special place in my memory, and in my family´s hearts.
Mark A. Whitney
June 17, 2024
I have never met Bill. He is of the same spirit as I am. I never thought I would be working with veterans, and I've served the Cherry Street Mission as a Truck driver for Chester and Charles Whitney. Bill, to me was a compassionate man and enjoyed helping his fellow man. It's true I never met Bill , but I sure would have liked to. Maybe I'll see him in Paradise !!!
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The House of Day Funeral Service, Inc.2550 Nebraska Ave., Toledo, OH 43607
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