David Nickell Huff

David Nickell Huff

June 9, 1933 - August 11, 2018

David Nickell Huff, age 85, departed this life Saturday, August 11, 2018, at Baptist Health Lexington.

He was born June 9, 1933 in Cumberland, Kentucky to Wilma Henry Nickell and James Leonard Huff. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Lily Lou Huff Karns.  His survivors include his wife, Patricia Farmer Huff; children: Shanna Huff Elliott (husband John Duvall Elliott), James David Huff (wife Regina Petrey Huff), Rex Nickell Huff (wife Sharon Marie Huff); six grandchildren: Alexandra Elliott Kuyper (husband Mark Alan Kuyper),

John Clayton Elliott (wife Elizabeth Lee Elliott), David Nickell Huff, II (fiancée Cynthia Vineyard), Meredith Anne Huff (husband Marcus Niemann), Rex Michael Huff,

Haley Patricia Huff; two great grandchildren: Annalee Rose Kuyper and Emmerson Anne Kuyper.

Dave went to Cumberland High School graduating in 1951 and then to Cumberland College (now University of the Cumberlands) for two years graduating in 1953 and then to University of Kentucky School of Pharmacy graduating in 1956. Upon graduation he moved to Hazard, Kentucky to work as a pharmacist. It was in Hazard that he met his wife and married. After 3 years in Hazard he moved to Corbin, Kentucky where he established Huff Drug in 1960. He continued to operate Huff Drug in Corbin until 1993. He also opened Huff Drug in Hazard in 1971 and operated it until 1994. He owned Huff Pharmacy in Corbin, along with Don Creech, until 2007. After selling the drugstores, he helped his sons open Southeast Marine in Corbin 1986 and was active in its operation until selling it in 2005. Since that time he has been very active in Kentucky Lodging and Development, an investment company that he founded with his partner David Myers.

Dave has been very involved in his community. Some of his civic involvements include:

coaching little league basketball, baseball and football; Lion’s Club; City Utilities Board of Directors; Cumberland River Mental Health Board, Treasurer; First Baptist Church Deacon; University of the Cumberlands Board of Directors, for over 40 years, receiving an Honorary Doctor of Laws in 2001 and Cumberland College Top 100 Graduates;

First National Bank of Corbin, Board of Directors, where he served as President;

Bank of Columbia, Board of Directors; Baptist Regional Medical Center, Board of Directors; Whitaker Bank, Board of Directors; Tri-County/Corbin Entrepreneur of the Year; Corbin Redhound Varsity Club Hall of Fame.

He was an avid sports fan and especially loved his Kentucky Wildcats football and basketball teams.  But his greatest loves were his family and friends.  He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 14, 2018, at 4:00 P.M. at First Baptist Church, 401 North Laurel Ave , Corbin, KY 40701 with Rev. Austin Carty officiating. Burial will follow in Cumberland Memorial Gardens.  Pallbearers will be sons and grandsons: Dave Huff, Rex Huff, John Elliott, Clay Elliott, Nick Huff, Mike Huff, Mark Kuyper, and Marcus Niemann.  Honorary pallbearers will be Members of Don Robinson’s Sunday School Class, David Myers, Jim Rickard, Don Creech, Terry Disney, Terry Forcht, Dr. Jim Taylor, Dr. Danny Whitley, Dr. Russell Greer, Ronnie Rice, Jim Oaks, and Darnell Waters

The family will receive friends from 1-4 P.M. Tuesday at First Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests gifts be made to the First Baptist Church White Flag Ministry, 401 North Laurel Avenue, Corbin, KY 40701.

11 Comments
  • Mickey Wilson
    Posted at 10:35h, 13 August Reply

    DAve was a great citizen of Corbin. I remember him supporting CHS athletics . COrbin will miss him.

  • Evajane and Gayle Green
    Posted at 12:46h, 13 August Reply

    Our deepest condolences…Big Dave was such a wonderful man and will be missed by so many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you today and in the days ahead.

  • Mike and Neva Rudder
    Posted at 13:31h, 13 August Reply

    Rex: Neva and I are at the Grand Canyon but please know that our love and prayers surround you and your family.

  • Tom and Susan Allen
    Posted at 14:42h, 13 August Reply

    We remember Dave fondly from our time in Corbin. He was always to kind to us. May God’s presence fill you will peace during this very tender time.

  • Don Saylor
    Posted at 16:46h, 13 August Reply

    Patricia and family – My sister Marilyn told me just now about David’s passing and even though I never actually knew him I still wanted to let you know that I send my most sincere sympathies in remembrance of David; and as a lifelong friend I especially want you to know that in the days to come you will occupy my thoughts as each of you mourn the loss of David.

  • Jane Stokes Farmer
    Posted at 17:32h, 13 August Reply

    I will always remember Dave Huff as a kind and good man who made a positive difference in the lives of others.

  • Melody and Donnie Burton
    Posted at 19:23h, 13 August Reply

    Thinking of you all during this time.

  • Tommie Cox Halford
    Posted at 21:29h, 13 August Reply

    John was in Lexington Saturday. Talked to Rex – took it hard as you know how he felt about both of you.
    All I can say he was one of the Greatest Men I’ve had the privilege of knowing.
    God’s peace to you Pat & All your family

  • Tina Slusher
    Posted at 13:58h, 14 August Reply

    My thoughts and prayers are with you all today. I really wanted to come but could not figure out how to do so. Your family means so much to me and you have been there for me in my tough times too. I know you will really really miss your Dad, Grandfather, Husband, Uncle and Friend. How blessed you are to have had such a wonderful man in your lives. Love Tina

  • Cleland Thorpe
    Posted at 20:47h, 14 August Reply

    I am sorry I could not attend Dave’s services. He was a great person and I always held him in high asteem Corbin will miss an outstanding citizen.

  • Mary Alice Siler
    Posted at 16:41h, 20 August Reply

    Sorry to hear this.

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