William James "Bill" Huff

William James (Bill) Huff, 89, of Winston-Salem passed away on Saturday, March 28, 2015 at Forsyth Medical Center, Winston-Salem. He was born June 27, 1925 in Roxboro, NC to William James Huff, Sr. and Allie May Gentry Huff. His family lived in Roxboro, Fayetteville, relocated briefly to California and then returned to North Carolina, eventually settling in Winston-Salem when he was about 15 years old. Bill attended R. J. Reynolds High School until the age of 17 when he left to join the Navy, serving in WWII. He returned to Winston-Salem after his tour of duty and finished his high school education, graduating from the Veterans School at R. J. Reynolds. Bill later attended Draughn's Business College studying accounting. He held jobs at Ed Kelly's and Southern Furniture Co. as salesman and credit manager before starting his own furniture business. He founded Southern Mercantile Co. in 1960, later to become W. J. Huff Furniture and then Hillcrest Furniture Co. He had furniture stores on Liberty Street across from the old post office and also on S. Stratford Rd. near the former Hillcrest Golf Course. He and his wife, Estelle enjoyed traveling with their many friends and colleagues in the furniture business to many places throughout Europe, South America and two trips to Hawaii. Bill retired from the business and closed his stores about 10 years ago. One of his favorite hobbies was collecting and driving Studebakers. He was a charter member of the NC Chapter of Studebakers Drivers Club. He also enjoyed for many years the fellowship and helping to prepare breakfast for the men's breakfast at Reynolda Presbyterian Church. Many thanks to his breakfast buddies at Reynolda and his Studebaker Club buddies for their long-lasting friendships. Bill was predeceased by his parents and by a close brother-in-law, Lewis Minter. He is survived by a sister, Ann H. Minter, a daughter, Rhonda H. Swaim, a son, William Michael Huff, and a granddaughter, Blair E. Huff as well as a nephew, Reid A. Stancil and wife Pam and a special cousin, Helen Hudson. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hillsdale College, PO Box 96607, Washington DC 20077-7544 or The Winston-Salem Rescue Mission, 717 Oak St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101. A memorial service will be held at a later date. The arrangements are by Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.

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