James Richard Huckaby

James Richard (Dick) Huckaby passed away peacefully at home in Prattville, Alabama on November 14, 2025. Richard was born on May 29, 1937 in Birmingham, Alabama to Charles P and Pearl Huckaby. He was a graduate of Hewitt-Trussville High School where he played in the band and baseball. Richard earned both his Undergraduate degree and his Master's degree from Auburn University in 1961 and 1965 respectively. Richard married Joan Jolly of Tallassee, Alabama on June 6, 1964. Richard and Joan were blessed with 61 years of marriage. He loved Joan fiercely and that love was a blessing on display up until his last breath. Family meant everything to Richard and he and Joan had 3 children, Laura Huckaby Elliott Johns, Leslie Huckaby Colafrancesco, and James Richard Huckaby Jr. Richard was an educator and leader. He served as principal of Prattville Intermediate School and Autauga County High School for a number of years before becoming Assistant Superintendent of Schools for Autauga County. He later served for years at the Alabama State Department of Education before retiring. After retirement, he continued to serve as an elected member of the Autauga County Board of Education. Richard was a lifelong active member of the United Methodist Church most recently as a member of Grace United Methodist. He taught a men's sunday school class for years and held many leadership positions at the churches he attended. He always gave of his talents and his treasures as he believed this was the best way to honor and serve God. Richard was a great lover of the outdoors and became a master gardener growing a variety of crops and plants. His tomatoes and peppers were legendary! Richard enjoyed fishing and golf as well as hiking and canoeing. He was an avid history buff and a lifelong learner up until his final days. A member of the Sons of the American Revolution, there was no better book to him than one with a good history lesson. Most importantly, Richard was a great father, husband and grandfather to his 8 grandchildren. Richard handmade all his grandchildren Christmas gifts each year when they were young from his wood shop he maintained with many made by the tools he inherited from his father. He was loved by his family immensely. Richard was preceded in death by his older brother Phillip Huckaby and his younger sister, Janice Strange. He is survived by his loving wife, Joan Huckaby, his two daughters, Laura and Leslie (Logan)and his son Richard (Ginger) as well as 8 Grandchildren: William (Will) Elliott, Tyler Elliott, Jackson Allen, Lilly Allen, Chap Colafranceso, James Richard Huckaby III (Trey), Harrison Turner and Bella Grace Huckaby. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to Grace United Methodist Church, Auburn University School of Education, or Embrace Alabama Kids.

James Richard Huckaby

May 29, 1937 - November 14, 2025