William E. “Bill” Huff, husband, father, grandfather, proud veteran, general contractor, farmer, and dedicated educator, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. He passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by family, at the age of 101. He was a lifelong resident of White Sulphur Springs, WV, and a devoted member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church.
He was born on Apr. 6, 1924, in Lewisburg, WV, the son of Lester L. Huff and Emma Mazie Beard Huff. He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife of 66 years, Margaret O’Neil Huff, sisters, Ruth Janka of Cincinnati, OH, Sue Ballard, and Joanne Nicely of White Sulphur Springs, and Lee Armstrong of Staunton, VA, and his brother Richard Huff of Waynesboro, VA.
Survivors include his four children and their spouses, Bill (Patricia) Huff, Mechanicsburg, PA, Karen (Jimmy) Stewart, Winchester, VA, Neil (Teresa) Huff, Aiken, SC and Rebecca (Rodney) Young, Charleston SC, sister Phyllis Taylor (Claude) White Sulphur Springs, WV, seven grandchildren, Damian (Laura) Huff Bartlesville, OK, Stephanie (Michael) Aktipis, Vienna, Austria, Gretchen Huff, Charleston, SC, Justin (Jill) Huff, Pittsburgh, PA, Heather (Matt) Hamm, Aiken SC, Megan Shores, Holly Springs, NC, Tyler Dorsey, Holly Springs, NC and nine great-grandchildren Lexi and Madison Hamm, Theodore and August Aktipis, William and Lily Margaret Huff, Dean Shores, Madison Neal, Nate Neal, and a host of nieces and nephews.
Immediately following graduation in 1943, Bill enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.
He became a tail gunner on a PBM torpedo bomber, flying critical missions across the Pacific. Following the war, he was part of the occupation force in Japan. He was honorably discharged as a Sergeant from the Second Air Wing, having served with the 131 Squadron, and received a citation for flying 30 missions in 30 days.
He earned a BS degree in Industrial Arts and Math from West Virginia Tech. His career was marked by a commitment to the students of Greenbrier County. His proudest professional achievement, second only to his Marine service, was serving as the Associate Superintendent of Schools for Greenbrier County. In this role, he oversaw the construction of two large high schools that consolidated many smaller county schools, a foundational effort to provide better educational opportunities for all students. He was equally proud of providing a college education for each of his four children.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Bill’s loving sister, Phyllis Taylor, his devoted nieces, Pam O’Neil, Brenda O’Neil, Christi O’Neil Lynch, as well as Patty Justice, Joseph Lynch, Henry Lynch, Matthew Hanna, Carolyn Dorsey, and Peck Dorsey, who watched over him, stood beside him, and loved him like a father. We also extend our gratitude to Drs. Suzanne Romeo and Randolph Modlin for their kindness and care.
Bill’s boundless generosity and desire to serve defined his life. His final words to everyone who visited or called were always, “Let me know if you need anything, and I’ll be right there.” Bill’s legacy of service, kindness, and generosity continues to inspire.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18, with a Mass of Christian Burial at St Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 325 Main Street, White Sulphur Springs, WV, with Monsignor Kevin Quirk and Father Chapin Engler officiating. Interment will follow the Mass in Mount Loretto Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 17, at Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in Lewisburg, with Rosary following visitation at 7:30 p.m. at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church.
A reception will follow the service from 12 noon until 2 p.m. at Butler Hall at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in White Sulphur Springs.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the White Sulphur Springs Community Outreach Center at 325 Main Street, White Sulphur Springs, WV, or a charity of choice.
Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in Lewisburg is in charge of arrangements. Please send online condolences by visiting www.wallaceandwallacefh.com
