Roy Grady Huckaby

Roy Grady Huckaby was born October 24, 1930, in Orange County, Texas, to Adolph and May L. Huckaby. He went on to be with his Lord on February 6, 2021, at the age of 90.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Glenda Jane Briggs Huckaby; daughter, Lisa Anderson and husband, Todd; son, Brent Huckaby and wife, Susan; and daughter, Amy Graham and husband, Chris; grandchildren, Taylor Huckaby, Sarah Massey and husband, Nathan, Keller Huckaby, and Nathaniel Graham; and great-granddaughter, Parker Massey.

Roy was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Audrey Wilkinson and husband, Edward; sister, Mildred and husband, Max Arledge; sister, Hazel; and brother, Deward Huckaby; father-in-law, Glenn Briggs and mother-in-law, Ruth Briggs.

Roy was an active member of the United States Marines from 1952-1954, and a member of the reserves from 1954-1960. After his active duty, he attended Lamar University, where he was a student leader and active in many organizations. He graduated in 1957 with a BBA in Accounting, and became a Certified Public Accountant in 1973.

Roy was involved in various Beaumont business for many years. He was a founder of G & S Cable Co Inc., Southern Automotive Inc., and Lone Star Air Compressor Co. Inc.

In addition to the companies he founded and worked at, he served as controller for Baptist Hospital of Southeast Texas during the computerization of the hospital. He later worked at Lindy Dennis Air Conditioning, Inc., serving in the positions of controller, vice-president and president.

His work experience eventually led him to consulting with other contractors and businesses in Beaumont and the state. While doing consulting he was contacted by the Lamar Small Business Assistance Center, which was part of the John Gray Institute, and asked to provide assistance to their clients. After several months he was asked to become the director of the Center. He accepted the position, and later helped the Center to get connected with the University of Houston Small Business Development Center. Roy retired from this position in 1996.

After his retirement, he was still sought out to provide advice and guidance by business and businessmen throughout Southeast Texas. His last “job” was serving as a member of the M&D Supply Board of Directors, a position he held up to the time of his moving from Beaumont to Tallahassee, Florida, a stint that was over 25 years in length.

Roy was an active member of the Beaumont and Lamar University communities. He was a past president of the Southeast Texas Chapter of Certified Public Accountants. He served on several committees that sought to better the City of Beaumont, including the Beaumont Planning and Zoning Commission, Beaumont Capital Improvement Programs Steering Committee and the City of Beaumont “Sister City” Commission. He was a long time member of the Cardinal Club (now the Bud Leonard Athletic Fund), and a past trustee of the Lamar Baptist Student Union, and a member of the Young Men’s Business League. He also served as a trustee to the Baptist Hospital Healthcare System for 15 years, including one year as board chairman.

Roy was a long term member of the Rotary Club of Beaumont, where he received the distinction of being a Paul Harris Fellow. He rarely missed a meeting and greatly enjoyed the fellowship of the members of this organization.

But of all the service and activities that Roy participated in, there was one that was closest to his heart. He was a long term and active member of North End Baptist Church for most of his adult life. In his many years of involvement, he served as a choir member, deacon, and Sunday School teacher. He served on too many different committees to list and probably never declined an invitation that was extended to him to serve on one. He rarely missed attending services, and led others to the Lord by example.

The following is an excerpt from his own obituary that he penned many years ago, and speaks to his devotion to God and his Savior Jesus Christ:

His testimony was that God had guided him through life in great ways. He never had to look for a job. He was a faithful tither from the age of twelve. His statement of life—“God is good”!

Roy was a giant of a man when it came to service to his family and others, and he touched so many lives during his 90 years. Roy’s love of God and Jesus was the only thing that surpassed his love of his family.

The family has requested that all services for Roy be private at this time under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to any of the following: Bud Leonard Athletic Club at Lamar University (formerly the Cardinal Club), 211 Redbird Lane, Beaumont, Texas 77710; the Beaumont Rotary Foundation, Inc., 2355 IH 10 South, Suite 213, Beaumont, Texas 77705; and North End Baptist Church, 5115 Eastex Freeway, Beaumont, Texas 77706.