Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

June 12, 2021

CHARLOTTE - Hubert Stratton Hufham, Jr. died on Saturday, June 12, 2021. Reuben was born in Wilmington, NC to the late Hubert Stratton Hufham and Louise Bolton Hufham on August 14, 1947. He is survived by his wife Eugenia “Genie” Heyward Hufham, his devoted son Baxter Stratton Hufham and wife Anette Messarina Hufham, and his precious granddaughter Olivia Stratton Hufham. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Jackson Rivenbark, the widower of his only sibling Martha Rivenbark and their families, as well as Genie’s sisters and their families.

He was nicknamed Reuben by his grandfather, a lover of the Old Testament, because he was the firstborn “grand”son…and it stuck. He was educated in the Wilmington schools and graduated from UNC Wilmington in 1971 with a degree in biology. Reuben spent most every day of his young life at Wrightsville Beach on a fishing pier or in the surf or miles offshore catching most every species of fish in the southern waters, most notably the “damnifino.” His knowledge of the southeast NC coast provided numerous escapades, which may have been embellished over the years.

He met his wife Genie on a blind date in 1973, and it was love at first sight for them both. Reuben didn’t have to work hard to gain Genie’s affection but decided he would seal it by buying a Hobie Cat sailboat. They married in Charlotte in 1975, and they both taught school in Wilmington.

Moving to Charlotte in 1979, Reuben began his career in industrial safety and compliance and contributed to the programs of Conbraco Industries, Springs Industries and finally Duke Energy from which he retired in 2008. He gave selflessly to Christ Church to the youth, liturgical, outreach and parish life efforts. He never lost his passion for saltwater fishing, as evidenced by the multitude of gear and boats he owned. Even once he moved to Charlotte, he spent many hours with his L’il Buddies on multiple fishing trips at the coast. Eventually picking up fly fishing, he spent many content hours on pristine streams in Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, and the Carolinas. Of course, the acquisition of equipment was a necessity.

A lifelong woodworker, he gave Genie one of his many gifts, that of confidence to try anything. Their first years were spent making furniture for their little home, and they both enjoyed working with their hands. He built two boats which were enjoyed for many years. In Reuben’s later years, he fine-tuned his craft into the true art of woodturning. Many of his creations are on display at Queens University and local businesses and homes as well as internationally. His special gifts included designing and crafting Bishop Monterosso’s Crosier, a chalice, patten, ciborium, ambry, altar cross and processional cross for the Episcopal Diocese of Costa Rica from the reclaimed wood in an original church which he worked to rebuild. His 30 plus year involvement with Habitat Charlotte and Habitat International is a testament to his service to others.

A quiet man with a sharp sense of humor, Reuben was ever humble and the most unassuming helper.  He worked quietly onsite, giving encouragement to timid volunteers, enabling them to succeed at a task without pressure, instilling confidence in everyone.

To all our Hufham Tough Prayer Tribe, thank you for your love and support.

The Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, June 22, 2021 at Christ Episcopal Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Christ Church, 1412 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28207, Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte Region, 7854 Little Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28226,, or Habitat for Humanity of Charlotte, 3815 Latrobe Drive, Charlotte, NC 28211.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC; 28204 (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.