Gerald (Jerry) W. Huff passed away on Thursday, May 20th 2021 at First Health Hospice House in West End after a brief illness. He was 95 years old. An indoor service will be held on Saturday, June 5th 2021 at 2 pm in the main sanctuary of Southern Pines United Methodist Church, 100 Clematis Road, Southern Pines NC with the Rev. Tommy Sweeley officiating. Jerry’s ashes will be interred in the church’s memorial garden immediately following the service. A reception will be held in the church’s fellowship hall following the service.
Jerry Huff was born July 6th, 1925 in Newton NJ to Harry and Martha Huff. Jerry grew up in Hackettstown NJ, graduating from Hackettstown High School before attending Rider College in Trenton NJ. In 1943 while WWII was raging on, Jerry enlisted in the Marine Corps and served in the Pacific Theater until 1946. Upon returning to the States, he completed his degree in business and accounting at Rider. On October 7th 1950 he married MaryAnn Smith of Kearny NJ and resided in Wayne NJ for over 35 years.
Jerry had many jobs in finance and accounting throughout his career working primarily in the insurance industry. He culminated his working career as the Senior Vice President and Comptroller for Johnson and Higgins, a large insurance brokerage in New York City. Additionally, he served as President of the Insurance Accounting and Systems Association (IASA), the primary professional organization for individuals working in financial end of the insurance industry worldwide.
In 1990, Jerry and MaryAnn retired to Whispering Pines NC and became very involved in the Country Club of Whispering Pines where they loved to play golf with their many friends and family. When the club was still member-owned, Jerry served as treasurer for several years. Additionally, he was one of the consortium investors who developed the Whispering Winds subdivision.
A lifelong Methodist, Jerry and MaryAnn immediately joined Southern Pines United Methodist Church upon arriving in the Sandhills where he served in various lay leadership roles. For over 30 years, Jerry was a member of the Moore County Gideons Camp where he again took on several leadership roles. He was also active in prison ministries in the region and the Moore County Community Bible Study group.
He and his wife loved to travel with many family and friends throughout the US and the world. He loved his family and made many visits to see them all over the country throughout the years. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his loving wife, MaryAnn and his twin sister, Dorothy Wilson.
He is survived by his daughter, Karen Lynn Croucher and her husband Drew of Whispering Pines NC and his son, Mark William Huff and his wife Allison of Wayne NJ. He has two grandchildren, Jennifer Lynn. Bush and her husband Nathan of Centennial CO and Matthew Huff and his wife Kristen of Wayne NJ.
Jerry has 6 great grandchildren; Needham, Camille, Isla and Kiera Bush of Centennial CO and Madison and Hailey Huff of Wayne NJ.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Southern Pines UMC (http://www.southernpinesumc.org/giving.html), Gideons International https://www.gideons.org/donate) or First Health Hospice and Palliative Care (https://www.firsthealth.org/specialties/hospice-and-palliative-care/foundation-support
Online condolences may be made at www.bolesfuneralhome.com
Services entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.
