February 26, 2026, 66, Mount Olive – Lannie Ray Herring passed away Thursday afternoon, February 26, 2026, at home in the Blizzard’s Crossroads area near Mount Olive, at Bennett’s Bridge. He was 66.
Lannie Ray was raised on the farm on which he lived most of his life, where tobacco and other crops were grown, and swine and poultry were raised. His boyhood, youth, and young adult days were also spent in and around “Mr. Herring’s Grocery,” a local gathering spot, operated by his daddy. He was a graduate of East Duplin High School. Lannie Ray worked at Seven Springs Supply Co. as a gas truck driver, and later as a service technician after the business became a part of TideWater Energy, In all, he had devoted over 36 years to the business. Of course, being a farmer at heart, he farmed some years in between.
He is survived by his sons, Ray Herring of Seven Springs, and Daniel Herring with wife, Michaela, of Mount Olive; two granddaughters, Lily Rae Herring of Seven Springs, and Charlotte Mayleen Herring, of Mount Olive; his long-time companion, his “better half,” as he called her, who became his main caregiver in his toughest days, Vickie Corbett, of Goldsboro. He is also survived by her daughters, Jodi West and husband, Tim, of Goldsboro, Paula West of Goldsboro, and Caroline Patterson and wife, J. P., of Raleigh, along with their families.
Lannie Ray’s family, friends, and the community will gather on Sunday, March 1, for a 3:00 p.m. graveside service to be held at the Julius Herring Family Cemetery on the family farm. Presiding will be the Rev. Ashley Summerlin. The family will greet friends at the cemetery.
Lannie Ray was preceded in death by his older brother, Julius “Buddy” Herring, Jr, and their parents, Julius and Annie Ruth Jones Herring.
