Roland R. "Huck" Huckelberry

Roland R. "Huck" Huckelberry
January 18, 1924 - September 16, 2013

Huck--husband, dad, grandpa, prankster, friend and church brother left us for his heavenly adventure and reunion with Betty, his wife of 43 years.
One of nine siblings of Berthold and Clara Belle, his young life was spent in Centralia, Illinois. He worked in the fields, as a baker, on the railroad, as a carpenter and served in the Navy. In 1953 He took his wife and daughter, Kathi, to Los Angeles, joining his brother Don to find employment opportunities.
He became a plasterer in the LA area in 1955 and operated Huckelberry Plastering Co. with Betty for 24 years. Huck enjoyed pointing out all the buildings they'd worked on, including the entire housing tract around their home. We've heard many stories from his employees about what a tough boss he was and that he had grit.
The family was blessed with three more daughters--Carol, Becky and Patte--and their Redondo Beach neighborhood was transformed with squeals of laughter, roller skating, bicycling and hours and hours of piano lessons.
They joined the First Baptist Church of Redondo Beach, CA (now SeaCoast Church) in 1959, developing life-long friendships, sharing the love of Christ and His teachings. The weekly men's prayer breakfast (the Tuesday Guys) was a staple of his life.
After retirement his hobbies included woodworking, motorcycling, golfing, and offering his skills to small construction projects for his church and friends. Watching the Lakers and Clippers filled many hours, with any leftover time devoted to reading. He loved Sudoku puzzles--it kept his mind sharp and his pencils dull. He was also a closet Trekkie.
Huck was adamant about living on his own in the home he and Betty purchased in 1955. He accomplished his goal and continued to drive up until the week of his passing--to the amazement of his passengers. Luckily, God was his co-pilot.
Left to carry on his memory are his daughters Kathi (Ralph) Battles, Carol (Paul) Hunt, Becky Cooper, Patte (David) Gann; grandchildren Cheryl Battles, Mark Hunt, Mike Cooper, Sean Battles, Denise Staley, Maggie Gann and Emily Bigley. Five great-grandchildren also blessed Huck's life.
A graveside service for family (with military honors) is being held Friday, September 20 at 2:00pm at Green Hills Mortuary in Rancho Palos Verdes. A memorial service and celebration of life will be held on October 26th at 11:00am at SeaCoast church at 100 No. Pacific Coast Hwy., Redondo Beach. Please bring a Huck story to share.
For many years, Huck supported mission work locally and abroad. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the mission of your choice in his name or to the Beacon Light Mission, 525 Broad Avenue, Wilmington, CA 90744.
The family appreciates all the abundant love and support shown to us by so many people, and the wonderful care of the hospital and Hospice staff.


Funeral Home:
Green Hills Mortuary and Memorial Chapel
27501 S.Western Ave.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
US 90275