Donald William Huth

Donald William Huth, 81, peacefully passed away on March 5, 2022, surrounded by his loving wife Gerry and daughters, Melanie and Erika. Don was born in Buffalo, New York, on February 27, 1941, the son of William and Mildred Huth. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Janice, and her husband Gary Grabowski.

Attending the University of South Carolina on an ROTC scholarship, Don earned a degree in Engineering in 1962. At USC, he joined the Sig Ep Fraternity and discovered his passion for playing the bongos at parties! That’s how he met his true love, Gerry. They were lifelong Gamecock fans.

Don entered the Navy upon graduating from USC. He served aboard the USS Lowry Destroyer and the USS America Aircraft Carrier. After the Navy, he received his Masters at Penn State. His career included work for Sperry Rand, Univac, and Memorex Telex in Raleigh.

In 1975, Don bought his first sailboat, the 21’ sloop PISCES and was finally able to fully enjoy his passion for the water. The next boat was the 33’ Morgan SABA SPICE, named after his and Gerry’s favorite Caribbean Island. Don and Gerry lived a life of fun and adventure, with many sailing trips to the Pamlico Sound, the NC Outer Banks, and chartering vessels in the Caribbean, West Indies and Greece. He was very proud to get his official Coast Guard Captain’s License in 1997.

Don is survived by his wife of 58 years, Gerry (Harriott); daughter Melanie Flowers, grandsons Grant and Jordan of Clayton, NC; daughter Erika Griffin and her husband Cowan, grandsons Benjamin and Stuart, of Chapel Hill, NC; sister Margie and her husband Dominic Colangelo of Buffalo, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family wishes to share their deep gratitude to the US Veterans Administration for their generosity and care during the last years of Don’s life. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Huth family may be entered below within the "add a memory" tab.