Herb McQuay Obituary

McQUAY, Herb
September 27, 1948 - June 29, 2005. He was a singer, songwriter, composer and lead singer in The Herb McQuay Show, popular in the Reno/Tahoe/Sacramento area. Herb was born in New York City, started singing at age two, and began his singing career in church and school glee clubs. Soon after, he performed doo-wop with his vocal group, The Telstars, on Harlem street corners. This experience led to appearances at The Apollo Theatre, The Cotton Club and various other New York venues. McQuay studied music education at Shaw University in Raleigh, N.C. As a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, he entertained troops around the world in Thailand, Vietnam, Korea, and Germany. After the service, Herb entertained throughout Europe. In New Zealand, he recorded singles plus his first album "You Are the One." Since returning to the United States in 1986, Herb had been touring this country with his band "The Herb McQuay Show." In addition, the Hey Herb television show was being shown locally in Reno and Sacramento. Herb McQuay, 56, died suddenly on June 29, 2005 while on tour in Reno, NV. Herb is pre-deceased by his beloved wife Thomasina McQuay and is survived by his mother, Omega McQuay, son Shareem Jones and his fiance Jozee, son Herbie McQuay and his wife Jessica, grandchildren Malik Jones, Dajanera Jones, Kyran McQuay, Maliyah McQuay, friend Mary Sullivan, relatives in the New York City area and a host of friends around the world. Herb will be deeply missed by all who had the spirit-filled fortune to cross his path, and he is now singing with the angels! Funeral services will be held 3:00 pm, Friday, July 8 at Thompson Funeral Home, 3601 Fifth Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95817, 916-455-3038. Visitation viewing will be 1-5, Thursday, July 7. Friends and fans are also invited to say farewell to Herb on his website at www.heyherb.com/guestbook.html.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Sacramento Bee on Jul. 6, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Herb McQuay

9 Entries

Lorraine Plant

September 11, 2024

Remember dancing to his beat in the 70s, Auckland, New Zealand. He will always be a legend....and one of the nicest people i have met RIP x

Debra Venis (Cox)

June 30, 2022

Herb, if I could talk to you, I'd tell I've been married now for 8 years and am happy and healthy. I'd tell you how much I've missed you and think about you. The funniest things will trigger a good memory of our friendship. I would tell you how much I miss the Birthday messages on my answering machine...you singing Happy Birthday to me! I'd tell you to hug Tomi for me. Rest in peace my friend. We will meet again.

Debra & Carlye Venis

July 29, 2005

Just tonight (7/29) I learned of Herb's passing and of Tommi's as well. I am still in disbelief.To their family members, I want you to know how deeply both these people touched our lives. My daughter, Carlye, has had many challenges, and Herb was always there to talk to her and lend her words of encouragement. Tommi and Herb always concerned themselves with my well being in coping with her situation as well. We shared so many wonderful conversations and magical musical moments. I was lucky enought to shoot many pictures of Herb in action and he gifted me with a short tape of my all time favorite song "Mrs. Jones". This is now more special than ever to me. I know Herb is where he wants to be with his beloved Tommi and the world has lost a beautiful soul and voice in both of them. I will miss his call in September and Herb's personal rendition of "Happy Birthday" on my answering machine. They passed to soon, they were angels only visiting this earth for awhile. My thoughts are with his family and I share in your loss.

Michael Harper / Bassist

Michael Harper

July 8, 2005

Although I met Herb only a month ago, I still felt a deep loss when I learned of his passing. My condolences go out to Herb's friends, family, and also his band members. To the band: I know/understand what you guys are going through, as I've lived through the same type of situation. Take care, and hang in there.

Barbara Davis

July 7, 2005

I made a lot of the vest and shirts that Herb wore and he was always helpfull, and always had good things to say. We will meet again, and from this life you shall be missed. Barbara

Renee

July 7, 2005

My thoughts and prayers are with the McQuay Family right now. I will miss Herb dearly. He was one of the kindest people I had known and I truly enjoyed his shows when he came to Reno.

God Bless you Herb.

Janey Muccio

July 6, 2005

Herb was a great humanitarian to all who crossed his path. He especially loved the children. My heartfelt sympathies to his mother, Omega McQuay, sons Shareem and Herbie and to their families. Herb, you will remain within my heart and soul forever. Always, in Peace, Janey

Janice (Jan) Lapin

July 6, 2005

I remember Herb so well as a patient of Dr. Martin's.Now Herb can join Dr. Martin in heaven and sing his wonderful songs to him. He was always smiling and I will never forget his wonderful sense of humor. The world will miss him. My sincere sympathy goes out to Herb's family. What a difficult time for all of you. You will all be in my prayers.

Thompson Funeral Home, Inc. & Rose Chapel

July 5, 2005

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

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