Herbert Ray Shuff

Herbert Ray Shuff, 95, of Freeport, IL, went to be with the Lord at Presence St. Joseph Home on April 17, 2015. Hebert was born at his parents home in a coal mining camp, now Williamson, Mingo County, WV on August 23, 1919 to James and Ethel Comello (Wolford) Shuff. When Herb was six months old, his parents purchased an eighty acre farm at the highest peak of the mountain at Missouri Branch, Wayne County, WV. He grew up on the farm until he joined the US Army Air Corps at Chanute Field, IL on September 16, 1940. Herb was married to his high school sweetheart, Bertha Etta Brooks on June 20, 1942, and lived in their first home in Urbana, IL; she died June 3, 2008. Staff Sergeant Herbert R. Shuff was shipped to Italy in World War II and joined the 86th Fighter Bomber Group Headquarters as they moved through Italy, France, and into Darmstadt, Germany when the European war ended in 1945. He then attended the American University in Swindon, a suburb of London, England, where he studied retail store management, business law, and money and banking, which formed his business life. He celebrated the end of WWII in London, England with the largest crowd he ever saw. He was returned to Germany and ultimately home for discharge at Camp Grant, Rockford, IL. On November 25, 1945 he then rejoined his wife Bertha and Betty Ann in Champaign, IL. Herb spent his business life in insurance, securities, real estate, and investment timing service. Herb is survived by his daughters Betty Ann Frey (Duane) of Freeport, IL, Mary Lou Andrews (Sandy) of Johns Creek, GA, Terri Lea Lever (Lee) of Austin, TX; his son Charles Lewis Shuff (Jean) of Tampa, FL; twelve grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and siblings. Funeral services will be held 10:30 A.M. Saturday May 9, 2015 at Zion Church (4292 W. Stephenson St. Rd. Freeport, IL) with Rev. Gardy Cronk officiating. Visitation will be from 9:30 A.M. until the time of service. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in his memory.