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Hank Huckaby, who held a number of top roles in Georgia government and education, including chancellor of Georgia's public colleges and universities, died Wednesday, April 14 after suffering a stroke last week. He was 79.
Huckaby couldn't seem to extricate himself from tough state jobs and even once famously took a pay cut to take one.
When asked to become chancellor of the University System of Georgia, he explained the attraction.
"Being a Georgia boy who got his degrees in the university system, never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be doing this," Huckaby told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution n 2011. "I like challenges, and the jobs I've had in state government have been challenging. This is what I enjoy doing."
"He cared a lot about this state, and he cared a lot about education. He literally devoted his life to it," said Steve Wrigley, who succeeded Huckaby as chancellor in 2017, and had been his friend since 1987.
"He had retired from UGA then decided to run for the legislature and got elected and then was asked to serve as chancellor," Wrigley recalled. "He didn't have to do that. He had already had a distinguished career. But he loved the state and wanted to make a difference."
He is survived by his wife Amy, daughter Mori, son Clay, and six grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements will be announced later.
Read more about Hank Huckaby on ajc.com
18 Entries
Thank you, Hank, for helping me and hundreds of other people in your extraordinary career. I count it as an honor and a blessing to have known and worked with you. Your family has much to be proud of.
Mel Hill
Friend
April 27, 2021
Hank, will truly be missed and over my years at St. Mary's, I had the opportunity to be graced by Hanks kind words and friendship. I true example of walking with the Lord!
Tom Kruer
Acquaintance
April 21, 2021
I had the opportunity to briefly work for Hank when he was VP for Business and Finance at UGA - I feel fortunate. Later, he joined the Rotary Club of Oconee County and we often sat next to each other. He was an intelligent, gentle, genuine man.
Dennis Calbos
Friend
April 20, 2021
I met him long ago as a coach and teacher of his children. I always admired his hard work and his love he showed to his family and seemingly all those he met. I especially want to offer my prayers and condolences to Mori who I coached many years ago , and to Clay, and to the ret of his family and friends. Hank was truly one of the good ones. May he rest in peace.
Chester Forsh
Friend
April 20, 2021
Deepest Sympathy to you and your Family. Mr Huckaby was an outstanding person that I love.
Betty Davenport
Coworker
April 19, 2021
Mr. Huckaby, I will never forget your kindness and concern for me as an employee of UGA. I will see you again. RIP.
Betty Davenport
Friend
April 18, 2021
Amy, Clay and Mori
I first met your husband and dad in January, 1974 when I was hired to fill the vacancy created by the promotion of Hank Huckaby within the Planning Division of OPB. That led to decades of friendship and shared interests. I could always trust his advice about the numerous challenges that we all faced in State government. If there has been a more effective, honest and better public servant in the history of Georgia, I am unaware of who he or she might be. Hank's passing creates a void in all our lives that can't be filled. I wish you all love and solace at this time.
Sincerely, Bill Cloud
Bill Cloud
Friend
April 18, 2021
A true professional who loved his state, his first college (Young Harris) and who loved to especially help young people get on the right road to an education. We considered Hank a friend and enjoyed meeting up with him, Amy and other Young Harris Alumni. We,, and many others, will miss him.
Janet and Ed Adams
Janet Delores Adams
Friend
April 17, 2021
Hank was both a personal and professional friend. First met him when he married my childhood friend, Amy Wood Huckaby, and then as the Director of Georgia Senate Research office in 1976. His career most certainly has not seen its equal inGeorgia government service. A kind, loving, diplomatic man whose company my husband and I enjoyed on many fun occasions. We loved, admired and respected Hank and will miss him very much. Our love and prayers for Amy and the rest of his loved ones.
Jim and Linda Young
Linda G. Young
Friend
April 16, 2021
One of the great public servants in the State of Georgia... always a pleasure to work with.
Dan Bollinger, Sr.
Friend
April 16, 2021
My most sincere condolences to the Huckaby family. What a great loss to you and the State of Georgia. When I was a young assistant professor at UGA, I had Hank in a doctoral class. Although he had already forgotten more about public administration than I would ever know, he let me prattle on and intervened when necessary with a smile and sometimes a wink to get me back on track. My son and I will never forget his generosity in getting Mark started on his career path while still in high school. I consider myself blessed to have known this wonderful human being.
Bob Durant (and Mark Durant)
Robert Durant
Friend
April 15, 2021
Sending love and prayers for Hanks home going. He was a great friend to us. Emory and Elise Brackman
Emory Brackman
Friend
April 15, 2021
One of the most genuine, warm, and honorable people I have ever known.
Roy Watkins
Friend
April 15, 2021
Such a gentleman. Hank was running Georgia's Office of Planning and Budget when I first met him. He provided me with such insight into state government budget work, helping to lead me into a lifetime of study. H was always generous with his time and vast knowledge. Hank will be greatly missed.
Katherine Willoughby
Friend
April 15, 2021
Claire and I send our thoughts, prayers, and deepest condolences to Amy and the family. Georgia has lost a true dedicated son and public servant.
Randy Pierce, President Emeritus
April 15, 2021
Hank was a great leader. Well-liked and well respected. It was an honor to serve under him. He will be missed.
Craig Cannon
April 15, 2021
Hank Huckaby was a great man, and he was a good man.
Roy Bahl
Friend
April 15, 2021
Hank provided great leadership in navigating challenging state budgets. It was an honor to work with him and learn from him.
Mitch Seabaugh
April 15, 2021
Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results
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