July 29, 2024, 86, LaGrange —

November 18, 1937 – July 29, 2024

Oscar Edward Herring Jr. of La Grange, NC, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Oscar was born in La Grange, NC on November 18, 1937, to the late Oscar Edward Herring Sr. and Katie Garris Herring. He grew up on a farm where he was introduced to hard work and values. Following graduation from La Grange High School in 1956, Oscar enlisted with the United States Air Force and served 23 years for his country with many of those years working for NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, and for the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.

With a passion for community and family, Oscar decided to run for Lenoir County Board of Education in 1984. He not only won the election but became Chairman of the Board several years later. His interest in local politics continued to grow and in 1994 he ran and won a spot for Lenoir County Commissioners; once again he would also become Chairman of the Board. Oscar continued his goal of local leadership by becoming a proud member of the local Red Cross, Lenoir-Greene Partnership of Children, Lenoir County Council on Aging, Lenoir County Mental Health Board, Lenoir County Board of Elections, Salvation Army, Veterans Outreach Center, and Lenoir County PTA.

As a proud and active member of White Oak Grove Free Will Baptist Church, Oscar served as a clerk for over 45 years. Always dedicated to his church, he researched, collected, and bound the history of White Oak Grove dating back to 1898.

During his retirement, Oscar also kept busy by tending to his yard and spending quality time with his family, including babysitting his two grandsons and great-grandson. His love of life and laughter were contagious to many. Always proud of the Herring name, he was a passionate man where faith, family, community, and country were his priorities.

A service of love and remembrance will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 1, 2024, at Rouse Funeral Home with Pastor Bob Smith officiating. Committal with military honors will follow at Fairview Cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Rouse Funeral Home.

Oscar is survived by his wife of 55 years, Evelyn Herring; daughter Renee (David); son Brent (John); grandsons, Tyler (Nina) and Justin; great-grandson Abel; sisters, Rachel and Lucille; and brothers, Jimmy (Linda) and Freddy (Diane). He is also survived by his furry, four-legged friend, Oreo.

Oscar was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar Herring Sr. and Katie Garris Herring; sisters, Charlotte, Frances, and Chrystal; and brother, Jack.

Oscar’s family would like to thank the staff at Southeastern Medical Oncology Center and Gentiva Health Services for their special care and support.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Oscar’s name to White Oak Grove OFWB Church, c/o Janet Brown, 1794 Jenny Lind Road, La Grange, NC 28551; or to the charity of your choice.

Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.