Jack H. Huss

Jack H. Huss, 86, of Valdese, NC, passed away Friday, August 7, 2026, with his family by his side.

Born in Lincoln County, NC on February 5, 1940, he was the son of the late Clarence Hillard Huss and Lois Scronce Huss. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 67 years, Ann Wright Huss; son, Brent H. Huss (Mary Catherine); daughter, Lynn Huss Mosteller (Joey); grandchildren, Allison Huss Kneeland (Zach), Katie Huss Robinson (Alex), Isaac Mosteller, Abbey Mosteller, and sister, Susan Huss Eaker.

In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by a sister, Linda Huss Jenkins.

The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m., Saturday, August 15, 2026 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Morganton. The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. in the church with Pastor Paul Carlson officiating. The graveside service will follow at 1 p.m. at Bethphage Lutheran Church Cemetery in Lincolnton.

Jack earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Lenoir-Rhyne College and then taught science and chemistry in the Raleigh public school system. He was later awarded a National Science Foundation scholarship and earned his Masters in Chemistry from Highlands University in Las Vegas, New Mexico.

Jack was a charter faculty member at Western Piedmont Community College beginning as chemistry teacher and finally Dean of Science and Engineering Technology. He used his role in the community college to promote good environmental and conservation policies locally and state-wide. Working with the community college, Burke County Agricultural Agency, Soil and Water Conservation, Carolina Land & Lakes Resources & Development, he was able to establish and implement many environmental and conservation projects such as stream restoration, wetland protection, no-till agriculture and more. He set up, established and taught water and waste water classes - the only courses offered in Western North Carolina where employees in industry and water management could study in preparation for their required certification in water technology.

Jack and Ann loved to travel nationally and internationally, ending up with an impressive list - Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama Canal, Columbia, Ireland, England, Austria, Romania, Alaska, and an extensive list of travel in the continental US.

Many of these travels were with Friendship Force, an organization whose goal is to promote international good will. It enabled Jack and Ann to see our magnificent planet. They lived with families from many other countries, usually for one week. Then in turn Jack and Ann hosted families in their home both from the US and internationally.

No one could ever know Jack without recognizing his passion for the out-of-doors. Tractors, machinery, trucks, bush hogs, mowers, balers, and pastures on their Lincoln County farm were part of his daily life. His herd of 40 black angus cattle turned into a business offering his customers beef which was totally free of antibiotics and growth hormones. Perhaps most impressive of all was his vegetable garden. Fishing both salt and fresh water were his favorite recreation as his trophies, a 36 pound striped bass and 40 pound spot tail drum give testimony.

In his lifelong role as a teacher he touched more lives than he will ever know. He will be dearly missed, but his legacy, clever sense of humor and impact on his community will remain.

Memorial contributions may be made by mailing a check to Burke Soil and Water at 130 Ammons Drive Suite 3, Morganton, NC 28655 or Carolina Land and Lakes, Resources Conservation and Development at P.O. Box 2977, Lenoir, NC 28645 or on-line https://carolinalandandlakes.org/donate/.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.sossomanfh.com.