Archie James Huffstetler, Jr., age 78, proudly from Mt. Holly, NC, passed away Tuesday morning just before sunrise on February 25, 2025.

Archie was born in Charlotte, NC on July 6, 1946 to Archie James Sr. and Louise Pickel Huffstetler. Archie was a 1964 graduate of Mt. Holly High School. After graduation, he served his country as a K-9 officer in the United States Army. Following his service,he completed his associates degree in Criminal Justice from Gaston College. He began his career in law enforcement with the Gaston County Rural Police which we now know as the Gaston County Police Department. He loved serving his community as a police officer and took pride in the work he did alongside his fellow officers. He retired as the Assistant Chief of the Gaston County Police Department in December 1994.

In the summer of 1968, Archie met the love of his life Katherine, whom he affectionately called Kate, on a blind date. They dated long distance for three years before they married in Greenville, GA in 1971.

Archie loved his people and they loved him as well. He was a man of strong faith and best lived it out by caring for and serving others, usually in the most humble and unassuming ways. He was a lifelong member of Tuckaseege Baptist Church in Mt Holly. He held most every leadership role at his church. He generously gave much of himself to his church family.  Archie also enjoyed antique bottle collecting, family history and genealogy, and volunteering at the Mt. Holly Historical Society.  

Archie was preceded in death by his parents, his favorite aunts, Mollie and Connie, and his younger brother, Benny Huffstetler. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Katherine, and their two daughters, Rebecca Huffstetler and Molly Dean (Carson), grandson, Riley, and granddaughter, Sarah, both of whom brought him great joy. Additional survivors include his brothers, Ronnie Huffstetler (Audrey), Marshall Huffstetler (Kathy), nephews - Jason Huffstetler (Charlene), Kiley Huffstetler (Luci), Brad Huffstetler (Jodie), Lee Huffstetler, Shannon Huffstetler, niece, Jennifer Benton and other great nephews and nieces. 

Archie’s family is so very thankful for the countless doctors and nurses who worked for decades to keep him healthy and keep him going. We celebrate that he is fully healed and fully Archie once again. To God Be the Glory!

A celebration of Archie’s life and God’s goodness to him will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025. Burial will be at Hillcrest Gardens Cemetery in Mt Holly at 11:00. The Celebration of Life service will be at Tuckaseege Baptist Church in Mt. Holly at 1:30 pm. Visitation with the family will follow the service. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Tuckaseege Baptist Church at 511 Tuckaseege Rd. Mt Holly, NC 28120.