Earl "Ray" Huff

June 20, 1934 - May 5, 2017

Earl "Ray" Huff passed peacefully on Friday, May 5, 2017, from complications of vascular dementia at Grand Rapids Home for Veteran's in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Ray was born June 20, 1934 in Hunter, Arkansas, a son of Jesse and Ellen (Voiles) Huff. He was the second youngest son of 10 children. Ray joined the US Navy in 1954 where he was stationed in California, Washington State and Hawaii. Following his Navy service, he joined the Teamsters Union and employed as a low boy driver/heavy equipment operator in Riverside County area of Southern California. He retired when he was 55 later moving to the U.P. of MI. Ray enjoyed many hobbies including his CB/Ham Radio where his handle was "Hillbilly." Ray was proud of his Southern Heritage and Arkie Roots. He enjoyed fishing, traveling in his motor home, riding ATVs and many other outdoor hobbies. He will be remembered for his bright blue eyes, quick wit, and sarcastic sense of humor. Ray is survived by three sons, Randy Ray (Esther) of Hoquiam, WA; Ray Jr. (Cindy) of Yuba City, CA; and Roy of Riverside County, CA; one sister, Catherine (Huff) Hopson of Russell, Arkansas; and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Ray is preceded in death by his daughter, Terry Ellen Hess that passed away in 2013; two brothers, and six sisters. At his request he was cremated. Burial will be at the Dogwood Historic Cemetery in Griffithville, Arkansas at his family's plot. A memorial will be held in Russell, Arkansas Saturday, June 10, 2017 at Russell Baptist Church at 11:00 am. The family would like to thank all those who were involved in his care; Great Lake Caring Hospice of Grand Rapids, MI, his hospice RN Nurse Mel, the dedicated staff of the Grand Rapids Home for Veteran's. Rev. Bruce Kalish and the No One Dies Alone Program.