William Howell Huddleston, Jr.

A graduate of Brackenridge HS, he entered the Army in 1942 and nine months later attained the rank of 1st Sergeant. It was believed he was the youngest member of Patton’s 3rd Army to hold this grade. Bill participated in three major battle campaigns. During the third campaign, he endured the injury which led to his Purple Heart. After his hospitalization, he returned to serve our country by overseeing a German Prisoner of War Camp in Arles, France. His military service led to his receiving numerous commendations and medals. In 2011, the French government extended its gratitude for his merits and accomplishments with his efforts in the liberation of France by sending in the French Embassy’s Consul General and inducting him as a Chevalier in the French Legion of Honor. His friends and relatives learned more about his military service at that induction ceremony than they ever heard from Bill.

Upon his Honorable Discharge in 1946, Bill joined the Civil Service with the Army Corps of Engineers. In 1966, he joined the Texas State Guard, ultimately attaining the rank of Brigadier General and, once again, received numerous commendations and medals for his service. He retired from the Civil Service as a real estate specialist after 44 years of service. After this retirement, he began a new career with the Printing Industry of San Antonio.

Bill served on many civic and non-profit boards. He was proud of his service to the Fort Sam Houston School Board, the Conservation Society, The Preservation of Historic Ft. Sam Houston, The Botanical Society, San Antonio Garden Center and more. In addition, he was a member of the Alzafar Shrine, a 60 year 32nd degree mason with Blue Bonnet Lodge and 60 year member of the Scottish Rite.

Bill Huddleston was preceded in death by his parents – William H. Huddleston, Sr. & Hilda Hummert Huddleston, brothers – Fred and Tommy Huddleston, sisters – Charlotte Somers and Betty Wieters and son, David John Huddleston. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Loretta Altwein Huddleston and children and their spouses, Gary & Becky Huddleston, David & Sandy Huddleston and Kathy & Jay Wendt. He will be sorely missed by numerous nephews, nieces, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held Thursday, May 17 from 5PM to 7PM at Sunset Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be conducted at 3:00PM on Friday, May 18 at Sunset Funeral Chapel. A private, family interment will follow later at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, it is requested contributions be sent to the San Antonio Garden Center, 3310 N. New Braunfels, San Antonio, TX 78209 or the charity of your choice.