Philip E. Huffman

Philip Edwin Huffman, known to friends, colleagues and family as Phil, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on November 9th, 2025, at his home in Ocean Springs, Mississippi.

His passing concluded a long and determined battle with cancer, a challenge he approached with the same unwavering optimism and patience that defined much of his life. His tenacious spirit and ability to find the bright side of any situation allowed him to graciously live for years beyond his initial prognosis. These years were an amazing gift for all those who were lucky enough to know him.

Phil’s worldly journey began on October 29, 1954, when he was born to the late Orvin Jefferson Huffman and Bertha Donelda (McIntyre) Huffman in Asheville, North Carolina.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Aletha C. Huffman; his children, Kimberly M. Goodnight and Jason P. Huffman; his stepchildren, Arthur Schmidt, Walter Schmidt, Thomas Schmidt, and Tara Murray; his sister, Gloria M. Huffman; his brother, Byron L. Huffman; 17 grandchildren and one great-grandchild (with more on the way!)

He was preceded in death by sisters, Eleanor Victoria Huffman & Frances Rebecca "Becke" Huffman.

Phil’s life was marked by a love of learning, a strong moral compass, and an entrepreneurial spirit. These qualities, combined with his passion for math and finance, led him to his calling as a financial advisor. His financial services career began in 1985 with A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc., a predecessor firm of Wells Fargo Advisors. For 40 years, he dedicated himself to professional excellence. He was a longtime member and former president of the Financial Planning Association. To his clients who entrusted him with their financial futures, he provided an analytical mind and just as importantly he offered stability, honesty, and patient mentorship.

Phil had deep and active faith. He was member of the Wesley United Methodist Church in Ocean Springs for over 30 years. There he served on the Church Board, provided financial guidance, and taught Sunday School, nurturing the next generation. He founded and led a men’s study group, Cosmos, Creation and Christian Faith where he puzzled and pondered the intersection of the scientific and Biblical truths.

Beyond his occupational and spiritual works, Phil was a man of profound and playful curiosity. He loved numbers, words, puns, and carefully curated a collection of meaningful quotes. He loved to travel, try new foods, and was a fixture at the local Mississippi Songwriter’s Festival, where his original song, 90 Degrees by 9, was performed. Phil was a patient, thoughtful, and creative man. He will be dearly missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Phil’s name to the American Cancer Society, Prostate Cancer Foundation or Cancer Research Institute.

A visitation will be held from 5:00pm to 7:00pm on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, Ocean Springs, MS. A graveside service will be held at 1:00pm on Thursday, November 13, 2025 at Southern Memorial Park, Biloxi, MS.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Homes is honored to serve the family of Philip Huffman.