Charles William “Bill” Huff, whose work with Cocke County farmers spanned over four decades, died at his Parrottsville home on Thursday, May 17, 2012, at the age of 87.

Huff served as manager of the Cocke County ASCS office for 35 years, during which time he saw the local agency expand its operations from the old W. O. Mims home above First Baptist Church to its present location on Heritage Drive.

Huff, one of three sons of the late Edward and Mildred (Jones) Huff, was born in the historic log Huff home of his ancestors in Long Creek. His early education came at Long Creek and Baltimore Schools and at Parrottsville High School, where he graduated in 1943. Later he entered Austin-Peay State College at the urging of his aunt, Miss Annie Huff, an Associate Professor of English at the school. After one year of study at Austin-Peay, he transferred to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, to continue his study of agriculture. His time at UT-K left him with a deep love of the university, especially its football and basketball programs, and for 56 years he held season tickets for both sports.

In 1945 he married the former Helen Ottinger in a ceremony held at home of the bride’s parents Mr. and Mrs. Royal Ottinger. The newlyweds built a home on the Ottinger farm and Huff helped his father-in-law for about one year. Returning war veterans became Huff’s students when he taught agriculture “GI classes” at the old Parrottsville High School about five years. He then sold football equipment to high schools in Tennessee and surrounding states for three years, before accepting a position with the Cocke County ASCS office. At one time, he served as president of TASCO. In 1981, the Newport Chamber of Commerce presented Huff with the Conservation Farmer Award. After his retirement, he devoted himself to the family’s farm and enjoyed raising Charlais cattle. He was also a member of the Cocke County Farm Bureau. He was a charter member of the Parrottsville Ruritan Club. He was a member of Salem Lutheran Church.

Huff was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Jess and Edward Huff.

He is survived by his wife Helen Ottinger Huff of the home; three children: Mildred Ann Huff of Hilo, Hawaii; Charles W. Huff, Jr. and wife Shela of Ellijay, GA; and daughter Rita Huff Hayward, of Nashville; grandchildren Eric Hayward and wife Mindy of Jefferson City; Corporal Charles W. Huff III, USMC, serving in Saudi Arabia; McKenzie Huff Duncan and husband Chris of Jasper, GA, and Michael Huff of Kona, Hawaii; and one great-granddaughter Madyson Hayward.

Graveside services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, May 20, in Union Cemetery. The family will then receive friends from 3:00—4:00 p.m. that afternoon at Salem Lutheran Church with a memorial service following at 4:00 p.m. with Pastor Jack Wilder officiating.