DOVER - Major William E. Huff was born on June 5, 1940 in Detroit, Mich. to Esther and Earl Huff. In the fall of 1944, the family moved to Norris, Tenn. (near Knoxville) where Bill attended and graduated from The Norris School in 1958. Major Huff started his military career in ROTC at the University of Tennessee. After graduating from the College of Business, Bill joined the Air Force and went through OTS and graduated as a 2nd Lieutenant. Bill then entered Navigator training and became an active duty member. He eventually went on to get an MBA in Finance from Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, while still in the Air Force.
Bill served more than 20 years of active duty in the military as a navigator on the C5's, C 133's, and the C-130E. He flew all over the world from Taiwan to Saigon and Tehran to Hawaii and lived in Taiwan and Panama for a time. Growing up during World War II, he saw his next war up close and personal in Vietnam. He was released from the Air Force in Dover, a well decorated Major, in 1985.
Major Huff was the definition of a gentleman. He was always teaching important life lessons; one of his favorites was how to give a firm handshake and another was to teach how to give a proper military salute. He was always there to help his friends and enjoyed talking to everyone he met. Among his closest friends, Bill was appreciated as a maker of Artillery Punch and other special concoctions.
William E. Huff was married to Ernestine (Tina) Huff for more than 30 years. She retired as Assistant Superintendent from the Capital School after a 40 year career in education. Not only did Major Huff serve a full military career, he helped raise two children. Katelyn Elizabeth Huff, a music teacher for children with special needs in the Capital School District and Mathias William Huff, Sales for the Health Advocate who resides in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
He was preceded in death by his father, Earl Sylvester Huff; and mother, Esther Kucks; as well as special brother-in-law, Don Evans. He leaves behind his sisters, Ellalyn Crossno and husband Jerry of Norris, Tenn., Sheryl Evans of Joelton, Tenn., Vicki Huff Boerwinkle and husband Erick of Houston, Texas; and one brother, Stanley Huff, and wife June of Anthem, Ariz. He also leaves many nieces, nephews, and cousins who were all very special to him.
Services for Major Huff will be at Torbert Funeral Chapel, 1145 E. Lebanon Rd. (Route 10) on Sunday, March 18, 2018, 2 to 3:30 p.m. Visitation with the family, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Service followed by a celebration in Dover. At a later date, Major Huff will be buried with full honors at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests support of the Major William E Huff ROTC Scholarship fund that will be awarded to a student in Dover who embodies the qualities he emulated during his life including bravery, perseverance, friendliness, and helpfulness. The fund can be accessed through gofundme.com.
Letters of condolence and guestbook may be signed at www.torbertfuneral.com