T. J. Huddleston, Sr. (June 1, 1876—1959) was a prominent African American entrepreneur and community leader in Mississippi. He owned dozens of funeral homes in Mississippi. He was the grandfather of former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Espy, Mayor Henry Espy of Clarksdale, Mississippi and great-grandfather of Mississippi Representative Chuck Espy (D - Clarksdale).
Huddleston was also the father of Leon Finney, Sr. (1916-2008), the founder of a popular barbecue chain in Chicago, who in turn was the father of Leon Finney, Jr. (1938-), a prominent Chicago minister and current president and CEO of the Woodlawn Organization. The Chicago and Mississippi branches of the family retain political ties.
Read more about T. J. Huddleston, Sr.: Biography, Afro American Sons and Daughters