Kenneth Ray Huckaby

LONGVIEW — Kenneth Ray Huckaby, age 73, was called to his heavenly home on Wednesday, December 9, 2020, at Christus Good Shepherd Medical Center, after contracting Covid-19. Born March 18, 1947, in Gilmer, Texas. Ken was a 1966 graduate of Union Grove High School and attended Kilgore College. He and his brother, Robbie were very active in sports. With the mighty Union Grove Lions in 1966, they won their regional football championship. Ken always said it took the whole team working together to win all 12 games. Ken was a very loving person who adored his family, friends and fur babies, Pretty Boy, Molly, LuLu and Prissy. He also counted himself as an entrepreneur among the many crafters who gathered together during the Longview Trade Days. Ken's pride and joy was his wife, Phyllis. The two would've celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 26, 2021. Ken and Phyllis were able to share several intimate vacations together in their later years, to locations such as Hawaii, California and Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Nadine Huckaby of Union Grove; his brother, Randy Huckaby; his son, Timothy Ray Huckaby, a deputy sheriff with the Gregg County Sheriff's Office; his grandparents; and several aunts and uncles, who he dearly loved and with whom he had many fond memories. Ken is survived by his high-school sweetheart, best friend and wife of 49 years, Phyllis; their son, David; his brother, Robbie; his sister-in-law, Kathy; his brother-in-law, Mike Grimes; his daughter-in law, Joanne; his daughter-in-law, Jamie; five grandsons: Timothy, Kris, Patrick, Sydney and Henry; his great-grandson Calcifer; five nieces: Lorie, Jill, Mendy, Wendy and Marcie; his great-nephew, Austin Lee; numerous cousins, including Russ and Patty Craig; and many friends. Ken had a very special love for his family and friends and enjoyed spending time with them whenever he could. Ken was a very hard worker and provided for his family through the years, with many long hours of hard work and dedication. He loved his two sons, Timothy and David, and was so very proud of the men and fathers they became. Ken worked for Norris Cylinder for 27 years as an inspector and marker. He was very respected and admired by his coworkers for his expertise and work ethic. Ken was an avid movie watcher and had quite the collection, which he enjoyed sharing with his family and friends. Some of his favorite films were Die Hard and the Fast & Furious series. He loved to watch the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday afternoons with Phyllis. The family would like to express their deepest, heartfelt thanks to the ICU nurses and doctors at Christus Good Shepherd Medical Center for their dedicated and compassionate care during Ken’s sudden illness. This virus is a serious matter. You can lose a family member, and your life can be turned upside down. Ken will be greatly missed, but now he is with his heavenly father and his precious son, Timothy. Memorial request may be made to the charity of your choice. The service will be live streamed on Facebook under the Welch Funeral Home Livestream page, https://www.facebook.com/welchlivestream/?ti=as.