Generous Spirit
Frank H. Huff
Huff, a native of LaGrange, Georgia, passed away June 29, 2014, after battling pancreatic cancer. A memorial service was held on July 22 at the Miller-Ward Alumni House.
“Many people knew Frank as a money man, the head of the finance division of the university, who had a great capacity for making sure that the financial keel of the ship was solid, balanced, and trim. But he also had a passion for music, the arts, good books, and funny stories,” says Emory Vice President Gary Hauk 91PhD.
Before joining Emory in 1985, Huff worked at Georgia Institute of Technology from 1965 until 1984, including six years as comptroller. Former Emory President William Chace adds that Huff was a valuable source of expertise.
“In my years at Emory, I knew that if I had any questions about the finances of the university—and many of my questions were, owing to the complexity of the institution, likely to be complicated—I could always proceed to Frank Huff’s office, ask my question, and then be given an answer that was cogent, lucid, and without ambiguity or frills,” Chace says. “Frank knew his stuff, and he knew it well, for he had spent a good part of his professional life dealing with every level of Emory’s financial situation. Forthright, calm, and resolute in all respects, he touched everything with his own integrity. Emory was made stronger by his presence.”
When Isha Edwards joined Emory in 2002, Huff encouraged and inspired her.
“Mr. Huff was my first supervisor at Emory, and I will remember the many ways he sought to teach and to challenge me as well as to push me forward,” says Edwards, now marketing and events specialist for Emory’s Emeritus College. “Everyone needs a foundation to build on or a bridge to cross, and Mr. Huff was that for me.”
Huff’s wife, Marina Huff, says Emory held a special place in her husband’s heart.
“The members of the Emory community and his colleagues organized a remarkable and touching memorial service for Frank,” Marina Huff says. “He loved and cherished this institution and was so proud to be a member of the Emory family. Frank was one of most kindhearted people anyone could meet. He always made you feel good when you were around him and always had a friendly and encouraging word to share. May his memory be a blessing to us all.”
Huff also is survived by three sons, Scott Montgomery Huff 00MBA, Pace Taylor Huff 86OX 88C, and Brent Asher Huff.
