KENNETH MAXWELL HERRING JR.
March 6, 1945-Feb. 4, 2018
Kenneth Maxwell Herring Jr., 72, passed away Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, at Kitty Askins Hospice Center surrounded by his family.
Kenneth was born in Wayne County March 6, 1945, to the late Kenneth M. Herring Sr. and Ruth Dawson Herring.
He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.
Early in life, Kenneth helped his father on the family farm, and later spent several years on the tobacco market.
For many years, he owned and operated Happy Days Child Care Center in Goldsboro, and enjoyed the opportunities given to him by helping to impact the lives of so many children.
Kenneth lived a life of dedication to his family and friends, and to his community. He served his community in many ways as a member of the board for the Wayne County Partnership For Children and as a member of the Exchange Club.
Kenneth was a man of incredible faith in God, hope for the world and love for others. He will be remembered as a generous, caring, compassionate man and loyal friend to so many.
Kenneth loved to travel to the beach and mountains.
People were drawn to Kenneth's bigger-than-life personality; he never met a stranger, and if he did, that did not last long before you became a friend.
He also had a great love for gospel music, as well as art, and when he had the opportunity, Kenneth loved to draw and paint.
Most of all, he enjoyed the time he spent with his family and grandchildren.
A service to celebrate Kenneth's life will be held Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2018, at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary of St. Paul United Methodist Church, with his pastors, James H. Harry and Phyllis Vail, officiating.
The family will greet friends Wednesday following the service at the church.
A private interment for the family will be in Wayne Memorial Park with military honors.
Kenneth is survived by his wife of 45 years, Elaine Heath Herring; daughter, Heather Herring Best and husband, John; son, Kenneth M. "Trey" Herring III; and grandchildren, Avery Best and Worth Best.
He is also survived by his sisters, Gail Kirby and husband, Carl, Jewel Ivey and husband, Ted, and Gloria Keesee and husband, Davis, and several nieces and nephews he loved very much.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Nelson Herring, and sister, Wanda Herring.
We would like to give a very special thank you to the wonderful staff at Kitty Askins and 3HC for the love and care they provided for Kenneth during his final days. Simple words cannot express our gratitude.
Also, a thank you to the staff at SMOC, who cared for Kenneth over these past years.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be given in Kenneth's memory to St. Paul United Methodist Church, 204 E. Chestnut St., Goldsboro, N.C., 27534, or Kitty Askins Hospice Center, 107 Handley Park Court, Goldsboro, N.C., 27534.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on February 6, 2018 8:05 AM