William Huff Iii

A Time to be Born

William Huff, III was born November 11, 1945, the sixth child of William Huff, Jr. ("Bubba T") and Janie Mae McKinney Huff ("Li'l Sugar"). The baby of the family, William was affectionately known to his family as "Junior."

A Time to Live

William grew up in Woodland, Ga., on his family's farm, where he learned the meaning of hard work, family values and faith. He joined Concord Baptist Church in Woodland at an early age and remained a committed member. He began his education in the Talbot County (Ga.) School System, attending John H. Woodall Elementary School in Woodland and Ruth Carter High School in Talbotton, where he graduated in 1963. After high school, William continued his education at Fort Valley State University, earning a Bachelor's Degree in the Social Sciences 1967 and a Master's Degree in Guidance and Counseling. During his tenure at Fort Valley State University, he became a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He was recognized in Who's Who Among Colleges and Universities in 1966. William was inspired by the writings of Ralph Bunche and Frederick Douglass.

Upon graduation, William returned home to Talbot County and taught at Ruth Carter High School from 1968-1970, remaining mindful of giving back some of what had been given to him. During this time, he also was a part-time car salesman at Meadows Motors in Manchester, Ga.

In 1971, William was elected to the Talbot County Commission at the young age of 26 - the first public office in a political career that spanned more than 40 years. William's election to the Talbot County Commission earned him a place in history as the first African-American elected to a political office in Talbot County and the youngest African-American County Commissioner in the State of Georgia.

William was also a trailblazer in the business community, becoming the first African-American Ford dealer in the State of Georgia in 1975. In 1988, he became the first African-American Tax Commissioner in Talbot County, where he continued to faithfully serve for nearly three decades until his transition. His many successful re-elections demonstrated both his commitment to Talbot County and his community's commitment to him.

William served on several boards, including but not limited to: the Talbot County Planning Commission, Upson Technical College, the Independent Farming Association, and the Ford Motor Association. He was appointed to the United States Selective Service System Board in 1998 and was also appointed to the Governor's Council on Aging by Governor George Busbee.

A Time to Love

William fell in love with and married Emma Jean Hamilton in 1971. To this union, three sons were born: William Vincent, Reginald, and Jamie. Together, they built a home often overflowing with family, friends and laughter. William and Emma blessed their sons and grandchildren with the certainty of love and the strength of family.

A Time to Transition

William departed this earthly home to his Heavenly home on Thursday, May 14, 2015. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Janie Huff; and siblings, Annie Lois Race, Emily Ruth Buchanan, and Pierce Huff.


A Time to Weep and Mourn

William Huff, III leaves to cherish his memory a loving wife, Emma Jean Huff; three devoted sons, William Vincent (Kendra) of Leesburg, Ga., Reginald of Fairburn, Ga., and Jamie (Airecus) of Talbotton, Ga.; eight adorable grandchildren, Kawaii Carter, Tyra Ferguson, Taylor Huff, Kiara Huff, Reginald Huff, Jr., Kyla Huff, Amari Martin, and Jabari Huff; three sisters, Lucy Lee Smith of Atlanta, Ga., Gertrude Huff of Woodland, Ga., and Virginia (Ulysses) Smith of West Palm Beach, Fla.; one sister-in-law, Mary Huff of Atlanta; two aunts, Carrie Bell McKinney of Youngstown, Ohio, and Sarah Massey of Detroit, Mich.; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

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