October 18,2020, 93, Walnut Creek
Walnut Creek-James Harold Herring, Sr., 93, heard the words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant…enter thou into the joy of the Lord” as he was received into eternity on October 18,2020.
Harold was born in Lenoir County to the late Jimmy Deb Herring and Clemmie Braxton Herring on May 16, 1927. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Virginia “Shorty” Herring Wade.
The life of Harold Herring can not be described without mention of his wife, partner, and best friend, Annie Ruth. God gifted Harold and Annie Ruth with 74 years of marriage to the day. Four years before Harold’s call to his heavenly home, he and Annie Ruth renewed their wedding vows before God and family. Harold was “perfectly imperfect” and simply the best husband. The two have always been inseparable, and where you saw Harold, you could expect to see Annie Ruth.
From humble beginnings, the two worked diligently to build a business and raise a family. As sharecroppers they envisioned a brighter future. For two years they collected scrap metal to make a down payment on their first store. Harold and Annie Ruth owned and operated a service station, grocery store, bus station, real estate investments and management, and, perhaps the business they are most known for, Herring’s Grill. For over 54 years the two entrepreneurs worked, lived, and worshiped side by side in the town of La Grange.
The friends and customers they served knew their faces and called them by name. The two have been strong pillars of our community, as well as of the gospel of Christ. Harold never met a stranger and was most interested in learning if you knew the Lord as your Savior. In his 93 years upon the earth, he had the privilege of leading over 700 souls to salvation through Jesus Christ. Harold and Annie Ruth bound together in prayer over family, friends, and strangers alike. In folks’ most desolate and broken times, the couple was present to offer a helping hand, a word of prayer, and a warm meal. The calling to witness was evident in all Harold did and he fully fulfilled his ministry.
After Christ and the call of ministering to others, Harold’s family was of utmost importance. He and Harold, Jr. shared the calling and strove together to win souls to the Kingdom. Harold was blessed with a precious daughter-in-love, Bev, and four grandchildren who were the apples of his eye. His family will fondly recall times spent with Harold and Annie Ruth around the table and worshiping together in the House of the Lord.
A service to celebrate Harold’s home-going will be held on Thursday, October 22, 2020, at 2 p.m. at La Grange First Free Will Baptist Church with Rev. Harold Herring, Jr. and Rev. Ronnie V. Hobgood officiating. Committal will follow at Fairview Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the conclusion of the committal, respectfully requesting that guests abide by social distancing standards for the health and well-being of everyone attending.
Harold is survived by his beloved wife of 74 years, Annie Ruth Sutton Herring; their son, Harold Herring, Jr. and wife, Bev; four grandchildren, James “Jim” Harold Herring, III. and wife, Samantha, James Fredric Herring, Abigail Herring PreJean and husband, Chris, and Alexandra Herring; five grandchildren, Annabelle and Andrew Herring, and Sophia, Symphony, and Georgie PreJean; a brother, Jimmie D. Herring and wife, Angie; and sister, Glennie Herring Rumschlag.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Free Will Baptist Children’s Home, PO Box 249, Middlesex, NC 27557-0249, as requested by Harold. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.
