Fred Joseph Huff, 58, marketing professional and college sports promoter died Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at his home in Du Quoin. The cause was pancreatic cancer.
Since 1931, at least one Fred Huff has resided in Du Quoin, and as the third generation bearing the name in his hometown, Mr. Huff perpetuated the family's commitment to business development in Southern Illinois.
For the last 14 years he was a leading sales professional at Dillard's in Marion as the tailored clothing manager. Quality merchandising was his specialty, known for customer service from the store door to the customer's home.
Even prior to his retail career, Mr. Huff was a witty storyteller. On social media, the man behind the suit whimsically told tales of the history of his homeland, encouraging appreciation of the people, places, and lore of Illinois.
As a youth he helped to publicize the Du Quoin State Fair and the Hambletonian trotting classic, then continued to follow his father into sports promotion. After a stint as a student sports publicist at his alma mater, the University of Illinois, Mr. Huff went to the University of South Alabama in Mobile as assistant sports information director, where despite his youth he was named director for the following seven seasons.
At the University of South Florida in Tampa, for a decade he promoted various sports including a fledgling football program, and managed major NCAA championship events.
Mr. Huff's support of community activities included serving on the boards of directors of the Harrisburg Medical Center Foundation and the Marion Cultural and Civic Center Foundation.
A recent Citizen's Award honored him for making the City of Du Quoin "a better place to live."
Mr. Huff is survived by his sisters, Carol Ann Huff, Durham, N.C.; and Susan Huff Smith (John), Carbondale; his nephew Christopher Spiller, Denver, Colo.; and great-nephews Caden Spiller and Coltin Spiller (Kara) of Colorado; cousins, including Peg Harsy (Denny) of Du Quoin; and Julie Bransky (Howard) of Los Angeles; and others in the Gaerig family around the country.
Mr. Huff was predeceased by his parents Fred Andrew and Ann Elizabeth Huff of Du Quoin; grandparents Fred Augustus and Mary Young Huff; and Charles and Clara Mann Gaerig, all of Du Quoin; and brother-in-law Richard T. Sale of Durham, N.C.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Du Quoin, Monday, October 7, 2024 at 2 p.m. Visitation is at Searby Funeral Home, Du Quoin, Monday, October 7, 2024 from 12 noon to 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests support for NubAbility Athletics Foundation of Du Quoin or Southern Illinois Hospice in Marion.
For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.