Wendle “Pup Joint” Huddleston died in his home March 23, 2012, at the age of 78. He was very happy earlier in the evening with his wife Sandy, enjoying a wonderful night of gambling and dinner with their close friends. He died suddenly that night after arriving home. His friends visited his home to say their last goodbyes to the man they had shared some of the best times of their lives and had loved for so many years. He loved life and wanted everyone to enjoy it as much as he did. He always enjoyed planning interesting gatherings for his friends and family.

Pup and Sandy have shared 52 years of marriage. He loved his wife and family very much and told them often. On the night of his death he kindly shared this by telling her how much he loved her throughout the night and also of how beautiful she looked. Pup had been ill for some time, but his health had improved and he was feeling like his old self. Not only was he in love with his wife and having fun with his friends, but he was also feeling healthy and fine.

He was a savvy businessman that was committed to his community. He was a generous man to those in need, young and old, as well as to family and friends. He had a genuine interest in giving back to the community by supporting schools, needs of the elderly, providing college scholarships and donating what was needed to lighten the burden of others.

Wendle Huddleston will be missed. He was a remarkable man and will be remembered as that for a very long time. He was a well-meaning man of principle with high expectations for himself and others. He did not settle for mediocrity in anyone — and he let them know it. When things were tough, he considered it his personal challenge to overcome obstacles, whether they belonged to him or someone else. He enjoyed his journey through life with all the good times and the bad. All of those who knew him or of him will live in the grace of the memories shared and will be thankful to a man who loved to live.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra Huddleston; his aunt, Roberta Drinkard; his daughter, Stacey Huddleston; his son, Jeffrey Huddleston and his wife Denia; three grandchildren, Estacia Huddleston, Carolina Huddleston and Jeffrey Alexander Huddleston; and a great-grandson, James Roman DiNicola.

At his request, there will not be a wake or funeral as he wanted to be remembered as he was when he was alive. He will be cremated.

A celebration of his life will be planned for a later date.