Family mourns death of man shot, killed in Warner Robins

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – “It’s so shocking,” said Willie Huff’ sister-in-law Amber Nelson. “It takes your breath away.”

There are only short breaths between sobs as a family mourns the death of Willie “Joe” Huff III.

“This is the worst day of my life,” said Tracie Huff. “If I could give anything to see him and spend time with him one last time. I just want my husband back. My kids need their father. Five kids will grow up without their father.”

The Warner Robins Police Department is looking into what happened around 10:30 Sunday night on Ruth Court.

“He went to the store, he was getting out of the car he had just come from Kroger and they shot him getting out of the truck,” said Tracie Huff.

His wife will miss the 32-year-old father of five, who was shot and killed in his driveway.

“He did not deserve to die like this–he was a good husband and father to our kids. I just pray if anybody knows anything please come forward because it’s hard,” said Tracie Huff.

It’s hard because as far as the family knows–there’s simply no explanation.

“He didn’t have enemies. Good family man, working man, no criminal history,” said Tracie Huff.

Detectives went from house to house Monday to find any information from neighbors they could–neighbors like Dee Ryburn.

“And I don’t understand all this shooting. Why are people shooting each other?” said Ryburn.

Ryburn is thankful for the Warner Robins Police Department.

“It was within minutes they were here, and that was good to see–they got here so quickly,” said Ryburn.

But unfortunately the recovery will be slow for the Huff family.

“He loved his family,” said Nelson. “He was always home anytime anybody needed something. He had a kind heart. And I don’t know what happened or what’s going on, but all I just want to know is we love him. I mean we are a close family and we love him.”

“He was a good man, a good hard working man, good father, good husband,” said Tracie Huff. “He’ll be missed. I just want my husband back. My kids need their father.”