Malcom Huckabee

Dr. Malcom Wayne Huckabee, 79, of 121 Ginger Drive, Danville, VA, died on Wednesday, December 4, 2013 at Emeritus Assisted Living after being in declining health for several months. Dr. Huckabee was born in Olton, Texas on November 22, 1934 to the late Robert W. Huckabee and Alice Thommarson Huckabee. Dr. Huckabee earned a bachelor's degree from Mississippi College, a master's degree from Texas Christian University, a doctorate from the University of Southern Mississippi, and a bachelor of divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He taught psychology at Judson College in Marion, Alabama and the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Mississippi before coming to Averett College, now University, to establish a psychology department. He later became dean and provost at Averett, positions he held until his retirement in 1997. He served as pastor of Pocahontas Bassett Baptist Church and as chair of the Consortium for the Advancement of Adult Higher Education, Central Piedmont Private Industry Council, and Danville-Pittsylvania Community Services board. Dr. Huckabee also served two terms on the Southern Area Agency on Aging board, and as president and district governor of the Danville Rotary Club, treasurer of the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce board, and board member of the Contact Crisis Line, God's Storehouse, and the Danville Public School Board. He was a member of West Main Baptist Church where he served as a Sunday School teacher, a choir member, a deacon, and trustee of the church. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Lynn Cook Huckabee, a son Robert W. Huckabee (Sabine) of Valkaria, FL, a daughter Shannon H. Turner (Tony) of Danville, VA, and a son-in-law, Drew Howard of Danville, VA. He is also survived by eight grandchildren: Cory Howard, Allison Howard, Austin Turner, Dylan Turner, Mason Turner, Logan Turner, Kaitlin Caudle, and Daniel Robert, and two great-grandsons. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a daughter, Michelle Howard. The family will receive friends from 7 until 8:30 p.m. Friday, December 6, 2013, at Townes Funeral Home and at other times will be at the residence. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to God's Storehouse in Danville or West Main Baptist Church. The funeral will be held at West Main Baptist Church on Saturday, December 7 at 11:00 am with the Reverend Bruce Wilson officiating. Burial will be in Danville Memorial Gardens.