William G. Huffman

William G. (Billy) Huffman December 15, 1954 – July 28, 2015 William G. (Billy) Huffman was born on December 15, 1954 in Grand Island, NE, to William J. and Odetta (Fisher) Huffman. Billy spent his early years in Dunning, NE as his Dad managed McAdams Ranch. In the spring of 1966, Billy’s family moved to the L. D. Putnam Ranch east of Vetal, SD. Billy would attend school in Martin, SD from 6th–12th grade, graduated from Bennett County High School with honors in 1973. Shortly after his graduation, Billy came back to Nebraska to work for Farrar Cattle Company, south of Hyannis. Here is where he worked side by side on a daily basis with his father, the man that taught him much about the cowboy way of life. During this three year period, Billy divided his time between the ranches at Mullen and Hyannis. In 1976, Billy moved to the U-Cross Ranch in Dunning, NE, where he would remain for 37 years taking over the “reins” of management from his father in 1987. Billy had lived a bachelor’s life until he met Roberta L. (Bobbie) Simpson Bridge. He and Bobbie were married October 12, 1980, at Brewster, NE. On this day, Billy accomplished two lifelong dreams – gaining a soul mate and becoming a father to her 5 year old son, Steve. They made their home at the headquarters of the U-Cross Ranch north of Dunning, NE. In March of 2013, Billy and Bobbie moved north of Hyannis to manage the former OLO Ranch. This is where he was able to build up his own herd of cattle and continue to live his dream in the Sandhills. Billy’s life was cut very short when he was diagnosed with terminal Melanoma Cancer. He passed away July 28, 2015, at his home. Billy was preceded in death by his parents, William J. and Odetta Huffman; siblings, Linda Lou, Billie Maria and Donald Lee; grandparents, George and Margaret Fisher, Marion and Maude Huffman. He is survived by wife, Roberta L. (Bobbie) Huffman, Hyannis, NE; son, Steve Huffman, Kearney, NE; grandchildren, Monica Keith, Taylor, NE, Darian Robin, Bellevue, NE, Rana and Clyde Zimmerman, Hyannis, NE; great-grandaughter, Anabelle Keith; siblings, Mabel(Rod) Boots, Ashby, NE, Jo Ann(Larry) Heath, Cody, NE, Bob(Sue) Huffman, Bassett, NE, sisters-in-law, Sharon(Clayton) Willard, Liberty, NC, Joyce Beard, Cheyenne, WY, Shawne(Bryan) Metzler, Cheyenne, WY, brothers-in-law, Rick(Sherry) Simpson, Cheyenne, WY, Mike(Terry) Simpson, Cheyenne, WY; aunts, Mabel Rodocker, Halsey, NE, Mary Duryea, Broken Bow, NE, Fern Huffman, Denver, CO; “adoptive” children, Trent and Bobbi Zimmerman Hyannis, NE; and special friend, Bennie Mullins, VA. Billy touched many lives during his life. His numerous nieces and nephews have such fond memories of eating his amazing prime rib, giving them their first horseback rides, and receiving early morning wake up calls to make sure their day started off right! He would freely give out his secrets on roping, ranching, riding, and cooking while giving you that “special” grin! William G. Huffman, age 60 of Hyannis, Nebraska formerly of Dunning, Nebraska died Tuesday July 28th 2015 at his home north of Hyannis. Memorial Funeral services will be held Saturday August 1, 2015 at 11 a.m. in the Sandhills High School Gymnasium in Dunning with Pastor Roy Monahan officiating. Inurnment will be in the Dunning Cemetery. A register book may be signed Friday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Govier Brothers Mortuary in Broken Bow, Ne and prior to the service in Dunning. A memorial will be decided at a later date.