Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025, at McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada for Mr. Jerry Stephen Huddleston, 90, of Grenada, who died on Thursday, Aug. 21, in Grenada. Dr. Jim Nunnelee officiated. The committal service was held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 25, in the Concord Baptist Church Cemetery in Tippah County. The Rev. Stanley Huddleston officiated. The family received friends from 1:30 p.m. until service time on Sunday, Aug. 24, at McKibben and Guinn.
Jerry was born on Jan. 9, 1935, in Ripley, the son of the late Elbert and the late Effie May Beibers Huddleston. He grew up in Ripley and graduated from Ripley High School in 1953, where he was voted most studious, played football, ran track and was the Tippah County High Jump champion. After graduation, he served in the United States Army before enrolling in Northeast Junior College. He then attended Mississippi State University where he graduated in 1957, with a degree in agronomy and soils.
Jerry was employed for 37 years as a soil scientist for the Soil Conservation Service. During his career, he surveyed soils throughout the South. One of the highlights of his career was spending time in Alaska where he surveyed soils in the Alaska wilderness. In 1963, he married his beautiful bride, Barbara. They settled in Grenada where they raised their family and he lived until his death. Jerry was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Grenada where he served in various capacities over the years.
Jerry enjoyed woodworking, photography and genealogy. He loved nature and enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially walking and hiking. He volunteered his time by helping coach FFA and 4-H land judging teams. After retirement, he owned and operated Huddleston Christmas Tree Farm in Ripley for several years. He, along with his wife, Barbara, kept a beautiful yard and garden. He could grow anything.
Jerry was a humble man, but those closest to him knew how brilliant, witty and creative he was. His most defining quality was his kind and gentle spirit. Jerry was happiest surrounded by his children and grandchildren. He was always supportive of them and attended every event that he could. They always knew that he was their biggest fan, and he was adored by each of them. He loved the Lord and read the Bible daily. He instilled the love of Jesus in each of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, which is his greatest legacy.
In addition to his parents, two brothers, James Elvin and Randall Huddleston, preceded Jerry in death.
Survivors include, his wife of 62 years, Barbara Mauney Huddleston; three daughters, Melissa Bass (Bill) of Jackson, Sherry Cook (John) of Oakland and Stephanie Gresham (Jason) of Hernando; his son, Ted Huddleston (Melanie) of Madison; seven grandchildren, John Austin Cook (Erin), Cameron Bass, Riley Bass (Erin), Addy Huddleston, Isabel Young, Ivy Huddleston and Olivia Young and two great grandchildren, Camille Cook and Clara Cook.
Cameron Bass, Bill Bass, Riley Bass, John Cook, John Austin Cook and Jason Gresham honored Jerry by serving as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to the Gerald C. Mauney Scholarship Fund at Concord Baptist Church, 5490 County Road 601, Booneville, MS 38829.
Online condolences can be expressed to the family at www.mckibbenandguinn.com
McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada was in charge of arrangements.
