Lawrence Ray Huddleston passed away peacefully at home on Dec. 7, 2017 after a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis. Born on Feb. 8, 1957, he was a lifelong resident of Farmville, Virginia. He is survived by his wife Janice Whaley Huddleston and son Thomas Cody Huddleston (Savannah). He was preceded in death by his father James Jared Huddleston, mother Evelyn Shoemaker Huddleston, and sister Dorothy Huddleston Bales (Don). He is also survived by his sister Linda Huddleston LiBrandi (Ray), as well as three nieces and two nephews, Janet Bales Peddicord (Sean), Becky Bales Ward (David), Carol Bales (Jonathan Durlam), Donnie Bales (Sharon) and Carson Crenshaw. At age 12 Lawrence began working on his grandfather’s dairy farm, riding his bicycle to work, until age 16 when his love of automobiles led him to be a mechanic, the field in which he worked until his illness forced him into early retirement. He was an avid fisherman, hunter and motorcyclist and loved taking trips with Janice and friends on his Harley Davidson. Lawrence was a dedicated and active member of his church, New Life Assembly Of God, serving as Trustee as well as a leader and mentor for the Royal Rangers, a church youth group. He joined the Farmville Volunteer Fire Department in 1982 at age 25, became a lifetime member and served in several offices, including Chief of the Department from 1994 to 1998. A man of many diverse talents, he was always there to help others with projects ranging from home building and repairs to car repairs. Lawrence valued and nurtured his family and many friendships and leaves behind countless friends and acquaintances in addition to family who will miss his broad smile and good nature.

A funeral will be Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017 at 11:30 a.m. at New Life Assembly of God with interment to follow in Cumberland Presbyterian Church Cemetery. Family received friends from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at the church.

Shorter Funeral Home is serving the family.