Garland "Bernard" Huffman

Garland Bernard Huffman, affectionately known to many as “Red,” entered this world on October 13, 1955, as the cherished son of the late Deacon Freddie Huffman Sr. and Luellen Jones Huffman. On Wednesday, March 25, 2026, Bernard peacefully transitioned from labor to reward at Prisma Baptist Hospital, surrounded by the love and presence of his devoted family.

A proud member of the Hunter-Kinard High School Class of 1975 in Norway, South Carolina, Bernard carried the values of hard work, humility, and kindness throughout his life. At an early age, he accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior and was baptized at Chapel Hill Baptist Church in North, South Carolina—a commitment that shaped his character and guided his steps.

After graduating, Bernard began his career at Owens Steel (Beltline Campus), where he worked faithfully as a Welder and Crane Operator. His dedication, skill, and strong work ethic earned him the respect of his coworkers and supervisors alike. Even after retiring in 1997 due to declining health, Bernard’s craftsmanship continued to shine. With steady hands and a creative spirit, he transformed barrels into grills and car rims into washpot burners—pieces that became treasured by family, friends, and neighbors.

On November 9, 1985, Bernard united in marriage with the love of his life, Amy Ritter. From that moment forward, her daughter Twanda became the apple of his eye, embraced with the same devotion, pride, and tenderness he gave so freely to those he loved.

Bernard found his greatest joy in the company of his family and friends. He loved nothing more than sharing good food, hearty laughter, and an abundance of love—always in true Bernard fashion, with generosity, warmth, and a spirit that made everyone feel at home.

Bernard’s life was defined not only by the work he did, but by the love he gave, the laughter he shared, and the quiet strength he carried. He touched lives with his gentle heart, his warm smile, and his unwavering loyalty to those he cared for.

In addition to his parents, Bernard was preceded in death by his older brothers, Willie Huffman, Freddie Huffman Jr, and Carl Heyward Huffman.

Bernard leaves to cherish his fond and precious memories his devoted wife, Amy Ritter Huffman of Columbia, SC; daughters, Dr. Twanda D. Addison and Albany D. Huffman, both of Hopkins, SC; and his beloved grandson, Marcus “Deuce” Robinson, Jr., also of Hopkins, SC; two bonus sons, Marcus Robinson, Sr. and LaRoc Livingston, both of Columbia, SC. He is lovingly remembered by his sisters, Thelma H. Rhoden of Columbia, SC; Shirley H. Cook of Columbia, SC; Dixie H. Norris of Irmo, SC; Margie H. Pough of Swansea, SC; Jacqueline H. Jenkins of Columbia, SC; and Carolyn H. Middleton of Hopkins, SC; as well as his brother, Tharold H. (Helen) Huffman of York, SC. He is also survived by three sisters-in-law, Sara Doe of Allendale, SC; Claretha Robinson of Lexington, SC; and Vernia Rivers of Columbia, SC, and Vivian Huffman, Orangeburg, SC. Among his many cherished relatives, one special nephew, Sean Huffman, Sr. of Columbia, SC, held a particularly dear place in his heart. A host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends will forever hold his memory close and will miss him deeply.

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