GALVESTON, TEXAS — On Feb. 7, 2019, Joseph (Joe) E. Huff III, 65 of Galveston, Texas, gained his heavenly wings to be with the Lord.

Joe Huff was born on Nov. 7, 1953 to Joseph and Louise Huff in Norfolk and moved to Smithfield as a child.  He attended Emory and Henry College and received his B.A. in political science and mass communications.  He completed all coursework for a Master’s in cross-cultural studies at the University Houston-Clear Lake.  Joe served as public and community information officer of the Virginia Housing Development Authority in Richmond.  He also worked as the project director of the Portsmouth Redevelopment and Housing Authority, before moving to Galveston in 1980 to become manager of public and community relations at the Port of Galveston. Joe Huff then joined the Galveston College Staff in 1982 to serve as the director of public affairs. He retired from Galveston College, after 35 years of service, in December 2017.

Joe was the recipient of the 1987 Distinguished Service Award, City of Galveston, and the 1999 recipient of the Island Rotary Vocational Service Award and received the 1992 Administrator of the Year award at Galveston College. Joe was also instrumental in the development of the Leadership Galveston Program and the Universal Access Program at Galveston College. 

Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Louise Huff.  He is survived by his sons, Joseph E. Huff IV and wife Amandalyn and Preston C. Huff and wife Lucia; his precious grandchildren, Abbygail Huff, Preston Collin Huff II and Joseph E. Huff V.  He is also survived by his sister, Virginia Lee Delk and husband Howard; brothers, Russell Huff and wife Leslie and Robert Huff.  He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Galveston College Foundation at Galveston College, the American Diabetes Assoc., the American Red Cross or a charity of your choice.