In memoriam: Donald W. Huffman, former member of the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors

Virginia Tech News

9 Dec 2025

Photo of man at a football game — Donald W. Huffman ’50. Photo courtesy of the Huffman family.

Donald W. Huffman ’50, a former Board of Visitors member and longtime supporter of Virginia Tech, died on Dec. 5, his 98th birthday. A devoted Hokie, Huffman leaves a legacy of leadership and service to the university.

Huffman served on the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors from 1994 to 2002. In the 2002 resolution honoring his service, the university recognized Huffman for his advocacy for students and faculty, his commitment to strengthening academic quality, and his careful stewardship of university resources. The resolution also highlighted his engagement in long-range planning and his dedication to positioning the university for continued growth and excellence. His obituary noted his strong support of requiring the use of Hokie Stone on new campus buildings.

Huffman grew up in Lexington, Virginia, and graduated from Lexington High School in 1945. He studied industrial engineering at Virginia Tech, according to his obituary. While at Tech he was a battalion commander of the Corps of Cadets, a member of the German Club, and served on the Honor Court. Between 1946 and 1947, he left school to serve in the U.S. Army. Upon returning to Tech, he graduated in the Class of 1950.

Huffman attended Washington & Lee University Law School. After moving to Roanoke in 1966, he served as United States magistrate and as an assistant United States attorney. He entered private practice in 1976 in Roanoke and enjoyed practicing law for the next 40 years. Active for many years in politics, Huffman served as the state chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia from 1982 to 1992.

Huffman served on the reunion committee for the Class of 1950. He was a member of the university’s Ut Prosim Society of extraordinarily generous doors and its and Legacy Society of those who include the university in their estate plans or make deferred gifts.

In lieu of flowers, the family requested that contributions in Huffman's memory may be made to Virginia Tech Athletics , c/o Virginia Tech Advancement Division, Office of Gift Accounting, 902 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg, VA 24061 with a notation of VT Athletics - Don Huffman.

A graveside service is planned for 11:30 a.m. on Dec. 10 at Oak Grove Cemetery in Lexington. Read the full obituary online.