of Batesville, AR
August 6, 1937 - December 14, 2022
Ermer "E.O." Huddleston, Jr., 85, of Batesville, Arkansas passed away Wednesday, December 14, 2022.
He was born August 6, 1937 in Moro, Arkansas to Ermer Overton Huddleston, Sr. and Ruby Pauline Huddleston.
Ermer was retired from Southwest Junior High School in Little Rock as a band director. He was a member of the National Guard, a musician, an avid golfer and founder of Happy Tymes Jazz Band. He also loved history, reading and fishing.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Jane (Bass) Huddleston, whom he married July 20, 1992, of the home; two step-sons, Michael Allbritton of Los Angeles, California and Chris Allbritton of Washington, DC; one brother, James Huddleston of San Francisco, California; one sister, Shirley; one sister-in-law, Rebecca Bass (Jeffery) of Batesville; one nephew and two great-nephews of Moultrie, Georgia.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister.
A celebration of life will be held Friday, December 16, 2022 at 2:00pm at the Roller-Crouch Funeral Home with Bro. Stacy Reed officiating.
A private burial will be held at a later date.
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7 Condolence(s)
Ray Vardaman
Tuesday, December 20, 2022
A dear friend since early 70s and an excellent musician.
Gary Pharis
Sunday, December 18, 2022
My favorite band director. SWJH 1970's. Played gigs with him on several occasions. Great man. Loved to hear him play. My condolences to the family. Rest In Peace Sir.
Tony Baker
Saturday, December 17, 2022
Mr. Huddleston, you set me on the path of my life and are as much responsible for the life and career I have as anyone. Thank you so much.
Jackie Lamar
Saturday, December 17, 2022
Mary Jane, I just found out about E. O. today (Saturday) and am so sorry I didn’t get to his service. E. O. was an icon in the Arkansas Jazz community. He was such a kind person and worked with everyone. He did such good work teaching at Southwest Jr. High, teaching life lessons to students who didn’t have a lot of support from home. I loved getting to play gigs with him and getting to know you in the process. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Jackie
andy howell
Saturday, December 17, 2022
Prayers for comfort during these times. He was my Jr. High Band Director at SWJH(mid 80s). I wanted to play the drums....He told me i was going to be a trumpeter!!! He coached me in golf also. I went to college on a trumpet scholarship. While in college, I was able to share the stage with him on a couple of occasions. Great man, great sense of humor. I can still see him in his 280Z. He will be greatly missed!
Beverly White
Friday, December 16, 2022
My Westside Junior High School band director, Little Rock 1968ish. Rest in Peace...
Lee Clark
Friday, December 16, 2022
I knew E.O. for over 50 years. He had tremendous talent as a trombonist, and was a fine teacher as well.
I offer my sincere condolences to each member of E.O.'s family.
Lee Clark Band Director (retired)
Pulaski County Special School Dist.