arly a century of remarkable experiences defined by service, ingenuity, and unwavering faith. A World War II veteran, preacher, and lifelong learner, Huth’s story exemplifies resilience and dedication in both his personal and professional endeavors.
Born in 1925 in the small town of Polk, Pennsylvania, Huth grew up during the Great Depression. From an early age, he displayed an entrepreneurial spirit, raising chickens as a teenager to support his family. “By the time I shut it down in 1943, I was supplying eggs to the Laurel Diner and raising thousands of fryers,” Huth recalls. His industriousness set him apart among his high school peers, with only a few classmates earning their own income.
“That was my business, not my father’s,” Huth says with pride. “He helped me build the houses, but everything else—raising, selling, managing—that was all me.”
The call to serve
Huth’s path changed forever in 1943 when he was drafted into the U.S. Navy during World War II. Despite having attempted to enlist earlier, he was initially rejected due to dental issues. However, the draft eventually brought him into the fold, where his aptitude for mathematics and problem-solving was quickly recognized.
Following basic training at Bainbridge, Maryland, Huth took the Navy’s EDDY test, a comprehensive exam designed to place recruits into specialized roles. The results led to his enrollment in an intense electrical engineering program in Chicago, where he completed a four-year college-level math course in just six and a half weeks. From there, he continued his training at Bliss Electrical School in Takoma Park, Maryland.
Huth was ultimately stationed at a naval air station on the border of Virginia and North Carolina, where he maintained critical communications equipment for aircraft carrier squadrons. Reflecting on his service, he attributes his survival to divine providence. “Most of my high school classmates didn’t come home,” he says. “The Lord kept me on that station for a reason.”
Building a life after war
After being discharged in 1946, Huth returned to Maryland, where he worked for ERCO, a company known for producing some of the safest airplanes in history. Later, he joined Reed Machinery, where he helped revolutionize bread-making equipment. His contributions included setting up a machine that extended the shelf life of bread and reduced the number of holes in each loaf—a game-changing innovation for the bakery industry.
During his time with Reed Machinery, Huth often traveled for work, including a fateful trip to Boston in 1950 that coincided with the infamous Great Brink’s Robbery. Staying in a hotel near the robbery site, he returned to find his room had been searched. “They were looking for clues,” he says. “Being an out-of-towner near the scene made me a suspect, but they quickly realized I wasn’t involved.”
A love that endures
In 1944, while home on leave from the Navy, Huth met Jewel Bell, a master seamstress, and singer, at his parents’ church in Berlin, Maryland. Jewel’s talents were extraordinary—she made her own wedding dress, created intricate suits for Huth, and even tailored dresses overnight for last-minute bridal emergencies.
“She could take fabric and turn it into a masterpiece,” Huth says, noting that he still wears the six suits she made for him. “She was amazing.”
The couple married later that year and shared 62 and a half years together, raising three children and supporting one another through every chapter of their lives. Jewel passed away in 2006, but her influence remains a guiding force in Huth’s life. “She was the one,” he says.
A life of ministry
Huth’s faith has been the cornerstone of his life. After leaving the Navy, he attended Bible college, where he began to hone his theological knowledge. In 1964, Huth moved to South Carolina after being invited to preach at Clarendon Baptist Church in Alcolu. His interim role soon evolved into a deeper calling, leading him to establish Great Faith Bible Church in Lynchburg, where he has preached for decades.
“Faith isn’t just something you talk about, it’s something you live,” Huth says. His ministry extends beyond the pulpit; he often shares his beliefs with strangers he meets in stores or on the street. “I ask people, ‘Where are you going when you die?’ That question opens doors to talk about salvation.”
Huth’s influence has reached far and wide. Over the years, he has helped establish churches in Pennsylvania, Maryland, North Carolina, and South Carolina. “If you add it all up, I’ve got more than 200 years of ministry experience,” he jokes.
Collector and historian
In addition to his ministry, Huth has cultivated a lifelong love of collecting stamps. His interest began as a child when he noticed a “First Day of Issue” stamp on an envelope addressed to his father. Fascinated, he began corresponding with post offices across the country to obtain similar stamps, selling extras to fellow collectors to fund his growing hobby.
Today, Huth’s collection spans decades and includes rare first-day covers from significant historical moments, such as the first transatlantic air mail and the first underwater crossing of the North Pole.
“It’s more than a hobby, it’s a way to connect with history,” he says. His collection is meticulously organized, with volumes of stamps carefully mounted and preserved.
Staying active and looking ahead
Even as he approaches his centennial birthday, Huth remains remarkably active. His days start early, sometimes as early as 2 a.m., and are filled with study, prayer, and connecting with his community. He continues to lead by example, embodying the Biblical charge to “occupy until I come.”
Huth’s health is another testament to his enduring vitality. His doctors marvel at his physical condition, often commenting that his heart health rivals that of someone half his age. “It’s all God’s grace,” Huth says humbly.
Looking ahead, Huth finds hope in the promises of his faith. He speaks passionately about the return of Christ, referencing scripture from 1 Thessalonians. “I’m waiting for the Lord to call His church home,” he says. “Until then, I’ll keep serving.”
A legacy of faith and service
Fred Huth Jr.’s life is a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and hard work. From his teenage years as a chicken farmer to his service in World War II, his contributions to the bakery industry, and his decades as a preacher, Huth’s journey is one of unyielding dedication to God, family, and community.
As he nears his 100th birthday, Huth remains a vibrant figure and a living repository of wisdom and history. For those who have the privilege of knowing him, his life serves as an inspiration to live with purpose, integrity, and faith.
Editor’s Note: The Manning Times would like to thank Becky’s Cafe in Turbeville for their hospitality and the use of their restaurant for this interview. Their warm and welcoming environment added a special touch to our conversation with Mr. Huth.
