Willie Ernest Herring

For me it is difficult, at best, to stand before you and capture my father in a speech or honor his life in words. No matter your faith, this is never an easy task to undertake, as words frequently fall short of capturing someone’s true essence. As I say a few words about him, please take a moment and remember something about a man who touched each of our lives in so many ways. With loving memory of Willie Ernest Herring. As I look out into the church; I see both smiles and tears. Although there have been many tears of sadness in the past few days since we lost my father, I hope today these are tears of joy, intermingled with nostalgic smiles, over great memories. For in my heart this is the way he has left a permanent mark on our minds, hearts, and souls. He was born August 5th 1934 in Forrest City, Arkansas to his mother Earcie B. McDuffie and Spivy Herring both are now deceased, along with his two sisters Cola Mae Anderson and Pearlie M. Vann. Roscoe Herring is the surviving brother. In 1969 he married Emla Bakari and enjoyed (3) sons Derek Herring, Brian Herring and Wayne Herring from that union. If it’s one thing that everyone who knew my father knows, it’s how proud he was of his children and family. He loved all of us! I am so very thankful for the many gifts he and my mother gave to me and my brothers. He taught us to play any sport we excelled at. Considering my brother Brian is a professional golfer, I’d say he was a good teacher. He was regarded by many to be one the best athletes to ever come from Macomb County, Michigan. He was a graduate of Mt. Clemons high school and lettered in (4) sports. Many don’t know that as young man while playing on a traveling club baseball team, he was scouted and offered a spot on the Cleveland Indians farm team as a pitcher. In 1958 he enlisted in the Air Force and was sent to Vietnam, where he earned the rank of Staff Sergeant while working as a postal clerk. He met many great people in the service, of whom he spoke so highly about and really valued their friendship. He retired after 20years from Williams Air force Base in 1978. It is from him that I got my knowledge of automobile repair and my love for classics. A few years back, I remember asking him why he liked to work on cars so much? He told me that he “didn’t like it…, mechanics were expensive, he had to get to work, and you have to eat”. All these years later, and I thought it was his hobby! One of his best attributes was seeing him with kids. In our neighborhood, he fixed many flat bicycle tires, made the kids laugh at him, and gave nearly all of them a nickname. In 1991 he remarried Mildred Walker and they’ve shared a 23yr marriage. She has taken care of him through his most stubborn moments and I truly thank you for that. He was by no means a flawless man, as there is no such person, but I believe he meant well and had a big heart. I cherish the best of him and lovingly forgive the rest of him. I’ve been so blessed to have had him for all 44years of my life, as many kids haven’t been so fortunate. As his sun has set, he is gone but not forgotten and leaves a lasting legacy in his wake. He is survived by his wife Mildred Walker-Herring, his brother Roscoe Herring his (5) children: Derek Herring (Patrice), Brian Herring (Roxanne), Wayne Herring (Stephanie), Debra D Herring and Paulette Hampton. He is also survived by his stepson Johnny Walker. He has 9 grandchildren, 13 great grand-children

Willie Ernest Herring

August 5, 1934 - November 2, 2014