Ralph Huffaker

Ralph Eugene Huffaker, 93, passed away January 26, 2021, in Summerfield, Florida. Huffaker was born on November 17, 1927, in Monticello, Kentucky to Claude Huffaker and Marietta Morgan. He attended Eastern University for 2.5 years. He later attended University of Kentucky, graduating with a Bachelors degree in Agriculture in 1953. Ralph served his country, in the Army at the end of WWII, stationed in Okinawa during the Japanese Occupation and Honorably discharged in September of 1947. His professions over the years included County Extension Agent in Date County, Miami, working closely with 4-H, bee keepers, farmers and livestock. Ralph also was a salesman with Florida Paper Company, caretaker at Florida Bible Camp and most recently a real estate agent with Albiol Real Estate in Ocala, Florida, retiring at the age of 91. Huffaker loved gardening, fishing, reading and his brothers and sisters from church. Barber shop quartet singing was one of his many joys, as he sang with a group in Miami in the 60’s, where he later joined Toastmasters. He joined the Church of Christ where he served many years as teacher, youth leader, song leader and traveled the state of Florida promoting Florida Bible Camp.

Ralph was a family man and had two children, Sandy Bell Johnson(Terry) and Kyle Lynn Huffaker(Deena). He leaves behind many grand children; Bethan Bell, Sara Bell Owens, Rosalind Bell Nolan, Teena Huffaker, Jessica Huffaker and Kayla Huffaker. His legacy continues with great grandchildren; Caleb Bell, Kyle McCollough, Rose Bell, Drew McLendon, Anna Owens, Ashley Owens, Ryan Nolan, Brady Nolan, Ian Nolan, and Great-great grandchildren; Grabiel Bell, Laiken Bell, Lilly Bell, Noah Huffaker and Kehlani Owens.

After Ralph lost his first love to cancer in 1983, he later fell in love and married Glaydene McPherson where they become one big blended family with Glaydenes children; Terry McPherson(Diane), Sherry Shaw(Wendell) and Emilie McPherson. As well as grandchildren; Mprgan Cimala, Shawna McDonald, Trenton Murphy, Trevor Murphy, Martin McPherson, Emily Miller and Great grandchildren; Peyton and Elsie Cimala, Karen and Warren Mille, Zachary, Mackenzie and Paisley Murphy, Carson and Chasen McDonald and John Murphy. As his grandchildren and great grandchildren became Gigi’s, her grandchildren and great grandchildren became his. His last words on Monday were, “We have a good family, on both sides.”

“Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Fathers house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you, I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and recycle you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whiter I go ye know, and the way ye know.” John 14:1-4

The family wishes to thank friends and family for their expressions of love for Ralph. He will be missed, but oh the joy he is experiencing in that most Magnificent place.