Norman E. Huckaby Sr.

Norman Eugene Huckaby, 74, of Tampa FL, beloved father, grandfather, and great grandfather, died peacefully in his home on Friday, Nov. 8th, 2013. He was born on December 8th, 1938 in Mountain Home, AR to Glen and Velma Huckaby. Mr. Huckaby served honorably in the United States Army 82nd Airborne from 1955 to 1965. He lived and owned businesses in North Carolina and Florida. As the "Rock Man” he loved volunteering for the Veterans Administration, and received numerous awards for his service.

He is survived by seven children: Norman Eugene Huckaby Jr. and Gloria Jean Kyzer, of Mesa, AZ; Nathan Glen Huckaby, Shirley Ann Paul, and Misty Ann Huckaby of Orlando; Loretta June Johnson, of Tampa; and Wendy Hall of Huntsville, AL; ten grandchildren: Kevin, Monique, Steven, Matthew, Tiffany, Brian, Amanda, Brandon, Alicea, Bryce, and seven great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings Carl and Lorene; his daughter Vedora "Dodie" May; and his grandsons Norman Eugene Huckaby III, and Walter Glen Huckaby.

Visitation will be at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, FL, 34734, on Thursday, Nov. 14th at 12:00pm, with Funeral Services to follow at 2:00pm.

Huck brought much joy, love, and laughter to the people in his life and he will be missed by many.

Arrangements entrusted to Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home. Condolences may be offered at www.woodlawnfuneralhomegotha.com

Statement of Wishes:

"I, Norman Eugene Huckaby, Sr. do hereby set forth certain wishes and requests to my personal representatives, heirs, family, friends, and others who may carry out these wishes. I understand that these wishes are advisory only and not mandatory.

My wishes are:

To my children, my wish for you is that you continue to succeed in this life with the tools that you have been equipped with. My wish is that you will all continue to strive to reach the goals that you have set for your lives. My wish is that you will all live long, healthy, successful lives, so that at the end you can look back and have no regrets.

To Amanda, my angel, my wish for you is that you will continue to overcome all obstacles in life. I wish for you much happiness and health. You have much to look forward to in life and I believe I could live in eternal peace knowing that you are taken care of and living a happy life.

To all of my grandchildren and great grandchildren including : Kevin, Monique, Tiffany, Bryan, Steven, Matthew, Amanda, Brandon, and Hunter. My wish for you all is that you will live out the remainder of your lives in good health, leading secure lives with much happiness and success.

I wish for my children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and anyone else that would choose to mourn my passing to know that I have led a life of no regrets. If you ever doubt the life that I have led, think of this. I have fathered six children and been blessed to adopt even more. I have traveled the world, stood up for my country, I have helped people when I could and even caused a little ruckus from time to time. I have watched family members fail and felt the heartache that comes along with that. Yet, I have rejoiced in all of your triumphs and been proud to call myself Daddy and Grandpa. I have had the opportunity to meet many beautiful women and even married a few. I have been what some would call wealthy and what some would call poor. I have watched loved ones take their last breath and watch children come into this world taking their first breath. I have seen much in my life, bad and good and I have no complaints, so try to keep the good times embedded in your memories.

My wish for my children, grandchildren and great grandchildren is that as they start the process of mourning my passing,

they can find in their heart the courage to celebrate my life, understand that my death is but a part of life and knowing that the life I have led was full of people that I loved, things I enjoyed doing and I have thoroughly enjoyed every moment that I could in my life. Remember, my life continues in your hearts and memories.

With all of my love, respect and greatest wishes for a happiness filled life.

I love you all,"

Norman E. Huckaby, Sr.

09/20/2005