Mr. Jerry Stephen Huddleston, 90, of Grenada, passed away Thursday, August 21, 2025 at the University of Mississippi Medical Center – Grenada.  He was born January 9, 1935 in Ripley to Elbert and Effie May Beibers Huddleston.  Jerry grew up in Ripley, Mississippi.  He graduated from Ripley High School in 1953, where he was voted most studious, played football, ran track and was the Tippah County High Jump champion.  After graduation, he served in the US Army before enrolling in Northeast Junior College.  He then attended Mississippi State University, where he graduated in 1957 with a degree in Agronomy and Soils.  He was employed for 37 years as a soil scientist for the Soil Conservation Service.  During his career, he surveyed soils throughout the South.  One of the highlights of his career was spending time in Alaska, where he surveyed soils in the Alaska wilderness.  In 1963, he married his beautiful bride, Barbara.  They settled in Grenada where they raised their family and he lived until his death.  Jerry was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Grenada where he served in various capacities over the years.

Jerry enjoyed wood-working, photography and genealogy. He loved nature and enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially walking and hiking. He volunteered his time by helping coach FFA and 4-H land judging teams.  After retirement, he owned and operated Huddleston Christmas Tree Farm in Ripley for several years. He, along with his wife, Barbara, kept a beautiful yard and garden.  He could grow anything.

Jerry was a humble man, but those closest to him knew how brilliant, witty and creative he was.  His most defining quality was his kind and gentle spirit. Jerry was happiest surrounded by his children and grandchildren.  He was always supportive of them and attended every event that he could.  They always knew that he was their biggest fan, and he was adored by each of them.  He loved the Lord and read the Bible daily.  He instilled the love of Jesus in each of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, which is his greatest legacy.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM Sunday, August 24, 2025 at McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada with Dr. Jim Nunnelee officiating.  The family will receive friends from 1:30 PM until service time Sunday at McKibben and Guinn.  The committal service will be at 11:00 AM Monday, August 25, 2025 at the Concord Baptist Church Cemetery in Tippah County with Rev. Stanley Huddleston officiating.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Barbara Mauney Huddleston; three daughters, Melissa Bass(Bill) of Jackson, Sherry Cook(John) of Oakland and Stephanie Gresham(Jason) of Hernando; one son, Ted Huddleston(Melanie) of Madison; seven grandchildren, John Austin Cook(Erin), Cameron Bass, Riley Bass(Erin), Addy Huddleston, Isabel Young, Ivy Huddleston and Olivia Young; and two great-grandchildren, Camille Cook and Clara Cook.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, James Elvin and Randall Huddleston.

Cameron Bass, Bill Bass, Riley Bass, John Cook, John Austin Cook and Jason Gresham will honor Jerry by serving as pallbearers.

Memorials may be directed to the Gerald C. Mauney Scholarship Fund at Concord Baptist Church, 5490 County Road 601, Booneville, MS 38829.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.mckibbenandguinn.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada, (662-307-2694).