Benjamin Huffman lost his courageous battle with brain cancer on September 14th, 2009. He died peacefully at UNC Memorial Hospital Cancer Center in Chapel Hill, N.C. He was 40 years old.
Ben was born on October 3rd, 1968 to the late Selenah Pons Huffman and Benny L. Huffman of Valdese, N.C. He was a member of the Waldensian Presbyterian Church.
Ben’s passions in life included cooking, Carolina football and basketball, traveling and constant dedication to all of his endeavors. Even in his final days, he continued his positive mental attitude and zest for life. During his 23-year career in the hospitality industry, Ben was employed with Landlubber’s, Spanky’s, The Carolina Club, Ruby Tuesday and his current employer, Red Robin.
He is survived by his loving wife, Lisa Ghia-Huffman, of 13 years; his father, Benny Huffman; his aunts, Rebecca Pons Hall Morgan of Chapel Hill and Paula Huffman Kandarian of Cumberland, R.I.; and his uncle Harold Huffman of Morganton N.C. Also surviving are his cousins, Matthew Huffman of New York, N.Y., Michael Huffman of Portland, Ore., Tony Hall of Chapel Hill, N.C. and Tom Hall of St Louis, Mo.
In addition to his mother, Ben was preceded in death by his grandparents, Lewis and Nannie Rhoney Huffman and Onesime Benjamin and Anna Hughes Pons, and his uncle Lewis Huffman Jr.
On Saturday, September 19, 2009 the family will receive friends at Walker’s Funeral Home from 6 to 8 p.m.
Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, September 20, 2009 at the University Presbyterian Church by Reverend Bob Dunham and Reverend Dr. Kevin Frederick. The church is located at 209 East Franklin Street Chapel Hill, NC 27514. Interment will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, a benevolent fund has been established in Ben’s name. To make donations, please contact Julie Novak at the State Employees Credit Union, 110 South Elliott Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27514; 962-1111.
An additional memorial service will be hosted by Benny L. Huffman at the Waldensian Presbyterian Church in Valdese N.C. on Saturday September 26 at 12 p.m.