James Huckaby

James Paul Huckaby, 91, formerly of Roebuck, died Thursday, August 26, 2010. Born April 25, 1919 in Cross Anchor, SC, he was the son of the late James Herbert and Emma Watson Huckaby. A graduate of Clemson College, he came to teach school at Roebuck High School in 1940, where he met and married Mary Switzer in June, 1942. Except for his service years, they resided in Roebuck, SC until 2005, at which time they moved to Skylyn Place Retirement Home. In 2008, they moved to Agape Assisted Living, West Columbia, SC, where they celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary on June 6, 2010. He retired as Captain in the U. S. Army Infantry, 130th Infantry, 33rd Division. He served in the Pacific Theatre during World War II where he fought in the final battles on Luzon, Philippines. While there, he destroyed a Japanese machine gun nest for which he was awarded the Bronze Star for heroism. After the Japanese surrender, he served in Japan for several months before returning to civilian life in Roebuck, SC. He retired in 1982 from Kaiser Agricultural Chemicals as Manager after 35 ½ years of service. Mr. Huckaby was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church where he was a Sunday School teacher, a Deacon, a member of the Men's Sunday School class, and served on many building committees. He was a member of the Roebuck Community Association, past Master of the Roebuck Masonic Lodge, a Commissioner with the Roebuck Fire District, and served 29 years as Trustee with School District 6. He taught Agriculture for 1 year at Roebuck High School. He was known for his kindness in helping others, visiting the sick, and served as a mentor for many young people in the community. In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Wallace Huckaby and wife Saundra of Marietta, GA; a daughter, Dr. Nancy Wilson and husband Richard of West Columbia, SC; two grandsons, Jame Huckaby and wife Kyle of Dallas, TX and Robert Wilson of West Columbia, SC; two granddaughters, Jenifer Pecht and husband Tony of Woodstock, GA and Kaytee Wilson of West Columbia, SC; a great-grandson, L. T. Pecht of Woodstock, GA; two great-granddaughters, Madi Pecht of Woodstock, GA and Camille Huckaby of Dallas, TX; a sister, Carolyn Huckaby of Spartanburg; and cousins, Russell H. Watson of Morganton, NC, Ms. Marguerite Havird of Silverstreet, SC, Ms. Vick West, and Ms. Grant Wagner. Visitation will be 9:45 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. Saturday, August 28, 2010 at Bethlehem Baptist Church. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the church, conducted by the Rev. Joe Burnett, the Rev. Jim Oliver, and Chaplain Y. F. Chong. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be Wallace Russell, Alvin McAbee, Jeff Bagwell, Brian Harvey, Donald Birch, Earl Bulman, Larry Alverson, and Bobby Wilder. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Agape Hospice, 805 Buff Street, West Columbia, SC 29169; or to Bethlehem Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 229, Roebuck, SC 29376. Floyd's North Church Street Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of James Paul Huckaby please visit our Sympathy Store.