Gerald Ray Huckaby, a Louisiana native and former multi-sports coach, passed away on August 17, 2025, at the age of 81, leaving his family, friends, and loved ones devastated.
While his family has not yet disclosed the actual cause of his death, many of his loved ones are paying tribute to the late Gerald Ray Huckaby and extending their heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time.
Born on August 26, 1943, Gerald Ray Huckaby began his athletic journey from a very young age, playing multiple sports.
He attended Jonesboro-Hodge High School, where he was an outstanding athlete. Gerald later continued his athletic journey at Northwestern State University, from which he earned a Master’s degree in Education.
Although he didn’t play professionally, Gerald continued to touch the lives of many students and athletes as an educator and coach.
Gerald dedicated his career to teaching, coaching, and supervising at Winn Parish School before retiring from the board in 2003.
In addition to his career, Gerald was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting in Kisatchie National Forest and fishing in the lakes of north Louisiana.
His decades-long coaching and teaching journey, as well as his contributions to the community, will always be remembered.
Gerald Ray Huckaby is Survived By His Longtime Wife, Goldie Bonds Huckaby, Children, and Whole Family
Gerald was not just an amazing educator and coach but also a devoted husband to his longtime wife of 33 years, Goldie Bonds Huckaby.
Goldie Bonds Huckaby took to her social media to pay tribute to her late husband and wrote, “I can’t believe my sweet husband is gone. We had thirty-three amazing years together. He has always been the love of my life.“
Goldie Bonds Huckaby is a graduate of McNeese State University and a former supervisor at the Beauregard Parish School Board.
In addition to his wife, Goldie, Gerald is survived by his son, David Huckab,y and wife, Stacey; daughter-in-law, Beckie Huckaby; step-son, James Cain and wife Angie, step-daughter, Melissa Milnor; grandchildren, Megan Miller, Jay Miller, Rachel Huckaby, John David Huckaby, Wayne Curtis Huckaby, Haley Beth Cain, Julianna Cain, and Amanda Milnor, sister, Beckie Thomas and the whole family.
Gerald’s son, David Huckaby, whom he shared with former partner Joan Reeves, followed in his footsteps in teaching and coaching.
He has been serving as the principal at Weston High School in Winnfield, Louisiana. Prior to that, he served as the long-time educator and coach at Calvin High School.
He spent 27 years at Calvin High School, where he was the social studies department head for 24 years and Assistant Principal for the last three.
David Huckaby served as the athletic director for 17 years, which included being the head coach of the boys’ basketball, baseball, and softball programs, as well as an assistant coach on the girls’ basketball team.
His softball and basketball teams won state championships during his tenure.
David graduated from Winnfield Senior High in 1989 and earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches.
Gerald Ray Huckaby was preceded in death by his son, Jay Huckaby; his brother, James F. Huckaby; and his sister, Billie Jean Mosley.
His son, John Aurthur Huckaby ‘Jay’, passed away on December 17, 2017, at the age of 52, from a heart attack.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Graveside Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, August 22, 2025, at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Winnfield, officiated by Bro. Bobby Bates.
- Interment will follow under the direction of Southern Funeral Home. The family will receive visitors at Southern Funeral Home on Thursday, August 21st, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, and again on Friday, August 22nd, at 1:00 pm.
