Herring ~ Willie Thomas Herring was born September 12, 1948 in Jacksonville, Florida. He was born to the parentage of Joseph and Marie Stephens Herring. Willie joined Friendship Baptist Church as a child and changed his membership to St. Mathews Baptist Church as an adult.
Willie graduated from William M. Raines High School, class of 1968. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army. Willie married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Clark and to that union, one son, Mark, was born.
After proudly serving his country, Willie entered civilian life where he held several positions and finally securing a career at International Longshoreman’s Association (ILA). Feeling the need to spend more time with family, Willie retired in 2017.
He was preceded in death by parents, Joseph & Marie Herring; brothers, Harold and Joseph Herring. He leaves to cherish and celebrate his loving memory, wife of almost fifty-three years, Patricia Clark Herring; son, Mark (Valerie) Herring; grandchildren, Christopher (Shandrika) Herring, Markesia (Javaris) Alberty, Mark Herring, Jr.; great grandchildren, Kristiana & Tristan Herring; siblings, Melvin, George, Henry (Sylvia) Herring (all of Jacksonville, Florida), Reggie (Cassandra) Herring (Phoenix City, Alabama), Keith (Charlotte) Herring (Columbus, Georgia), Paulette Scott (Jacksonville, Florida); goddaughter, Tammy Lovette; father-in-law, Joe Clark, Sr.; brother-in-law, Joe Clark (Lexington, Kentucky); sisters-in-law, Mary Herring (Jacksonville, Florida), Jo Ann (James) Brown (Macon, Georgia); a host of uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins and sorrowing friends.
Graveside Service for Willie Thomas Herring will be 1:00 PM Thursday, October 7, 2021, Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road. Visitation Wednesday from 5 – 7 PM at The Soutel Chapel. Because of the love of his family, arrangements entrusted to J. E. Fralin & Sons Funeral & Cremation Services, 5065 Soutel Dr, 904.924.9400.
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