Robert Lee Huffman

Robert Lee Huffman MONROE - Robert Lee Huffman, 80, died Wednesday, March 13, 2013, following a lengthy illness. Mr. Huffman was born on June 3, 1932 in Rowan County to the late Mr. and Mrs. David Lee Huffman. Mr. Huffman is survived by his wife of 52 years, Billie Oliver Huffman of Monroe, North Carolina; a son, Robert Bryan Huffman of Monroe, North Carolina; two daughters, Julie Herr and husband, Austin Alexis Herr, III of Alexandria, Virginia and Carol Kendrick and husband, Larry Spencer Kendrick of Charlotte, North Carolina; along with four grandchildren, Elizabeth Lee Herr, Austin Alexis Herr, IV, Robert Spencer Kendrick and Katherine Lee Kendrick. He is also survived by sisters, Mrs. Carolyn Phillips and Ms. Lynda Huffman of Houston, Texas and a brother, Mr. Frank Huffman of Lexington, North Carolina; sisters-in-law, Mr. Clairene Cockerham of Jefferson, North Carolina and Ms. Peggy Oliver of Raleigh, North Carolina. Mr. Huffman graduated from Appalachian State Teacher's College. After serving a tour of duty in Japan during the Korean War, he attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, receiving his Master of Education and Law degrees. He began his legal practice in Monroe, North Carolina in 1961. Mr. Huffman enjoyed the collegiality of the courtroom and the intellectual pursuits of the law. He endeavored to use his skills to be an advocate for those less fortunate. For him, the practice of law was a privilege as well as a profession. Mr. Huffman was recognized in 2011 for 50 years of service to the State Bar of North Carolina. His legal practice, Huffman and Kendrick, LLC, continues today with his daughter, Carol Kendrick. Outside of Mr. Huffman's family and legal profession, his passions lay in politics, a thrist for knowledge and books and an abiding interest in strong public education. He served many years on the Monroe City Board of Education and remained a lifelong advocate of the public school system. Mr. Huffman was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church for 52 years, serving many terms on the Vestry, including service as both Junior and Senior Wardens, Sunday School teacher, Lay Delegate and Usher. A funeral service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Friday, March 15, 2013 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, with interment following in the Columbarium Memorial Garden. The family will receive friends following the service in the Parish Hall. A special thank-you is extended to Ms. Ava Thomas, Mrs. Pat Jenkins, and Ms. Mandy Ivey for their loyal devotion as caregivers to Mr. Huffman. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul's Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 293, Monroe, North Carolina 28112, or the charity of one's choice. Gordon Funeral Service and Crematory, 1904 Lancaster Avenue, Monroe, NC 28112 is caring for the Huffman family. Published in Charlotte Observer from March 15 to March 22, 2013.