Irwin Lathan Huffman

With jubilation and reverence, we can celebrate the life of Irwin Lathan Huffman, born on November 8, 1970, to Herman A. Huffman and Annette Y. Hightower Huffman, nurtured in the loving arms of Providence Baptist Church in the vibrant South Atlanta community on Bisbee Avenue, before the church relocated to College Park. Later in his adult life, Lathan started attending Chapelhill Church of Atlanta. Under the guidance of pastor Jamal Baker, where he was baptized and grew into an exemplary, devoted member and server. He was honored with a grand celebration as one of the “MEN OF VALOR “.
Affectionately nicknamed “Lay”, his educational journey flourished within the Atlanta Public Schools system, where he excelled at Peyton Forrest Elementary School, Jean Young Middle School, and Benjamin E. Mays High School, notably advancing in R.O.T.C. and the band. His pursuit of knowledge continued at Savannah State University for two years, followed by his dedicated service in the United States Navy, notably during Desert Storm on the U. S. Independence ship.
Lay’s early life was a testament to his adventurous spirit, as he shone brightly as a Cub Scout and later flourished as a Boy Scout at Saint Phillips Catholic Church, where he nurtured his passions. As a young enthusiast, he eagerly participated in Little League football at Peyton Forrest Park, honing his teamwork skills.
Following his remarkable tour of duty in the Navy, Lay revved up his engines and hit the open road as a semi-truck driver for Martin Brower, embracing every moment of freedom. It was during this time that the entrepreneurial bug bit him hard, inspiring ‘Mule Deliveries’; a venture where he delivered goods and tended to lawns for loved ones.
Lay’s heart belonged to the birds, and he reveled in his title of a ‘Bird Lover’, often found cheering on the Atlanta Falcons with fervor or relaxing on his balcony. His affection for the Seattle Seahawks grew during his time in Bremerton, Washington making them his second favorite team. He also delighted in catching Atlanta Braves games.
In the kitchen, Lay was a Master Chef, conjuring culinary magic, grilling, and smoking meats to perfection. He loved sharing his creations with his sister and children, capturing each dish’s essence in photographs.
With country tunes filling the air, Lay would cruise or lounge around sporting his signature cowboy hats and boots…where he affectionately got the name “Granddaddy Cowboy” to his twin grandsons. Known for his impeccable style, Lay could effortlessly transition from casual to debonair in minutes, embodying the essence of a true gentleman.
Lay now rests’, leaving cherished memories with his parents, siblings Malisa Huffman Talley, Vanassa Huffman Willis Hicks, and Herman Huffman, Jr.; children Kasha Huffman Wilson, Joshua Lathan Huffman, Bailey Felincia Huffman, and Stephen Emmanuel Huffman; grandchildren Grayson Michael Wilson, Kaison Joshua Wilson, and Saphia Khyleah Hawkins; family and friends he shared a special bond, Shaunta Daniel Taylor, Tara Drinks Huffman, and Mekela Laden. His passing leaves a void in the lives of his beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins, and friends, with whom he grew and shared boundless love.
As reflected in the scripture, the true measure of a man lies not in the greatness of his faith, but in the depth of his love; “and now these three remain: faith, hope, and love, but the greatest of these is love.”

1 Corinthians 13:13