Benjamin Huckaby Sr.

Benjamin Boyd Huckaby, Sr., surrounded by his family, was called home by his Savior at age 84 on Sunday, December 6, 2015 at Baylor Medical Center in Carrollton, TX.

Benjamin was born on April 6, 1931 in Coolidge, TX to the union of Robert C. Huckaby, Sr. and Mattie (Turner) Huckaby. Benjamin attended G.W. Carver High School in Dawson, TX where he met the great love of his life, Maudie B. Massengale, whom he wed on December 23, 1952. The couple settled in Odessa, TX where they raised their 5 children.

Benjamin retired from Southwestern Portland Cement Company after 37 years of dedicated service. During those years he was a member of and served as president of the International Brotherhood of Boiler Makers, local 357. He also served as a negotiator, travelling around the country negotiating contracts on behalf of the AFL-CIO. A committed public servant, he proudly served his country as a corporal in the Korean War before returning home and dedicating his time to his community. He volunteered with the Woodson Boys and Girls Club, served as a Scout Master for the Boy Scouts of America, and participated in the PTA and Football Booster programs at Ector High School. He was also active with the Democratic Party serving as Precinct Chairman, volunteering at the polls, and playing an active role in voter registration. Benjamin was a man of conviction and strong faith; he dedicated his life to serving the Lord. He was very active in the church as Chairman of the Deacon Board at St. James Baptist Church and later as a Deacon at Mount Olive Baptist Church. He instilled and nourished faith in God within his family.

A committed family man, he created a legacy of love, laughter and togetherness. He raised his family to be strong and to fight for what was right. He and his wife never missed a milestone in their children or grandchildren's lives, travelling all over for graduations, inductions, and weddings. A true outdoorsman, he was happiest caravanning in his motorhome across the country with his entire family in tow, searching for a good fishing hole. He was a gifted story teller and often kept his family up late at night around the campfire laughing and reminiscing. To be there was to feel and bear witness to love in its truest form. He orchestrated the creation of memories that will last lifetime after lifetime as they are passed down from one generation to the next.

Left to honor his memory and carry on his legacy are his wife of 63 years, Maudie B.; daughter, Brenda Creear of Odessa, TX, son, Royal Anthony Huckaby of Dallas, TX; daughter, Regina Woods and husband Lewis of Frisco, TX, Tonya Huckaby of Atlanta, GA; grandchildren, Tiona Huckaby, Neidra Conliffe, Vincent Bennett, Damien Huckaby, Andrea Hamiton, Lewis Woods, Jr, Denisha Matthew, Ben Woods, Royal Huckaby Jr, Torey Woods, Sr and Rachel Johnson; 14 great- grandchildren; and a host of nephews, nieces and friends.

He is preceded in death by his beloved son, Benjamin ‘B.B.' Boyd Huckaby, Jr.; parents, Robert and Mattie; four brothers, Robert Jr., Thomas, Lee Edward, and Freddie; and one sister, Clara Mae Sample.

The wake will be from 6:00-8:00 pm, Friday, December 11, 2015 at Sunset Funeral Home.

A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, December 12, 2015 at Sunset Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home, 6801 I-20 Business, Odessa, at 1:00 PM with Reverend Robert Templeton of Mount Olive Baptist Church officiating and Reverend Kelvin Cox of Word of Life Ministries Church, Houston, TX, bringing the eulogy.

Visitation

Wake

Sunset Funeral Home
6801 E. Business 20
Odessa, TX  79762
Friday, December 11, 2015
6:00-8:00 pm

Service

Funeral Service

Sunset Funeral Home Chapel
6801 East Business 20
Odessa, TX  79762
Saturday, December 12, 2015
1:00 pm

Cemetery

Ector County Cemetery
300 South Dixie Blvd.
Odessa, TX  79761