Ralph Vincent Huband, Jr.

Ralph Vincent Huband, Jr. died on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at his home in Neptune Beach, FL. He was born in Wilmington, NC on July 11, 1930, to Ralph and Hazel Huband and was the third child after sisters Joyce and Gerry.

Mr. Huband attended the University of North Carolina where he was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity. He joined the U.S. Air Force and was a veteran of the Korean War, completing 100 missions flying the RF-84F Thunderflash. After the war he began his civil career in Wilmington with Atlantic Coastline (Seaboard Coastline) and was transferred to Jacksonville in 1960. He completed his career with CSX Technology, retiring at age 57.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Barbara J. Padgett of Wilmington and their two children, Deborah Huband Smith (Jeff) of Alpharetta, GA and Mark Vincent Huband (Robin) of Jacksonville, FL. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Lindsay Chastain (Scott), Abbey Toot (Dan), Christopher Huband (Caroline) and Alexander Huband, as well as three great grandchildren, Taylor Chastain, Grayson Chastain and Elizabeth Huband.

Mr. Huband joined Neptune Baptist Church in 1960 and was active in Adult Life Ministries, taught boys’ Sunday school and was a member of the choir. He used his accounting skills in the community by volunteering with Pop Warner Youth League and the Fletcher Booster Club. He served on the Board for Pablo Towers and volunteered with Meals on Wheels.

He enjoyed fishing in his early years but became passionate about golf in his retirement, both as a participant and spectator. He enjoyed great success in tournaments at his home course, the Jacksonville Beach Golf Club, and traveling to other courses around the state with his buddies. He even had the opportunity to play The Old Course at St. Andrews in Scotland. Speaking of travel, over the years he and Barbara enjoyed extensive travels together from east to west coast and Bahamas to Canada. Since 1978 they never missed the family (started with 5 and has grown to 16) vacation at Wrightsville Beach.

Memorial services will be held at Neptune Baptist Church on Wednesday, January 20 at 11:00am, officiated by Eddie Lockamy (and livestream on Facebook). Interment will be at a later date in Wilmington, NC.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Neptune Baptist Church.