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Wray R. HERRING Sr.

FUNERAL HOME

O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home

3009 Chestnut Avenue

Newport News, Virginia

Wray HERRING Obituary

GLOUCESTER - Wray Raphael Herring Sr., 84, departed this life on Nov. 2, 2010, in Riverside Regional Medical Center.
He was born on Jan. 31, 1926, in Parkersburg, N.C., to Hanson and Lugenia Herring. He was educated at North Carolina A & T University in Greensboro, N.C. After serving in the U.S. B1 Navy Band, Mr. Herring spent 32 years as band director for Huntington and Ferguson High Schools.
Wray was a member of St. Vincent DePaul and St. Therese Catholic Churches, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Les Homes Civic & Social Club, NAACP, Hampton Roads Boys Club and Gloucester County Zoning Commission.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Sadie Ruth Herring; and daughter, Joan Herring.
He is survived by son, Wray Herring Jr. of San Francisco, Calif.; daughter , LaVerne Hawkins (James) of College Station, Texas; grandchildren, Sean, LuWana and Marcus Herring, and Alicia Hawkins; great-grandchildren, Jasmin Herring and DeShaun Dickerson; brothers, Richard Herring (Barbara), Jefferson Herring (Essie); godchild, Sherry Raye Ross; and a host of many relatives, friends and students.
A funeral service will be held at noon Monday, Nov. 8, 2010, at Huntington Middle School, 3401 Orcutt Avenue, Newport News, Va. Interment will follow in Hampton Memorial Gardens. Viewing will be from 11a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home and two hours prior to the service at the school on Monday.
O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the Herring family. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.

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

Published by Daily Press from Nov. 6 to Nov. 7, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Wray HERRING

73 Entries

Doug Cantu

November 4, 2022

I continue to miss Mr. Herring. His impact on my life was tremendous. I couldn't thank him enough for all he did for me - both as a musician and a person. What an incredible life he lived! A fine example for young men to follow - I can still strive to be like him.

December 1, 2010

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Mr. Herring was the primary reason that I came back to the B-1 narrative after having gotten the impression that my work was not appreciated, and I'm especially sorry that he did not live long enough to see B-1's story in print. The comments on this guest book tell me so much more about him than I knew, given that our visits were most often confined to history. On several occasions, I've called him with a question that suddenly occurred to me, and he was never anything but gracious & patient in his responses to my inquiries.
I was especially struck by the words from his students. This is a perspective I have always felt was missing from my work, which suffers some for its remaining in the historical past without developing the roles such outstanding educators as Mr. Herring had in the subsequent & turbulent years of Civil Rights struggles.
I treasure having known Mr. Herring, and I'm grateful for his patience with me, and for the gentle but firm way he had of staying to a task, with honor & dignity and a quiet pride. Of the many B-1 fellows I've gotten to know, he was among the very best in every respect.
In a few minutes, I'll be sharing news of his passing with the ECU archives committee, which I chair. It was Mr. Herring's drive that established here a collection in our archives that commemorates B-1, and for that role in extending the band's history, he will always be remembered.

sincerely,
Alex Albright

Tyrone G. Johnson

November 29, 2010

To the Herring Family: The loss of Mr. Herring is a big loss to all of us. He was a tough band director and an excellent role model. His teachings in team work, responsibility and leadership helped prepare us for what was to come. These things helped make us strong. Therefore, he contributed to shaping us into what we are today. We performed for him with pride because he was always there for us. He was like a second dad to all of us. He protected us, and for these reasons, we loved him. We will always miss him truly. My condolences. T.G. Johnson, Esquire

Doug Cantu

November 24, 2010

Wray and LaVerne,

Your Father meant very much to me during my formative years under his leadership at Ferguson High School. I think of him, as well as his words of wisdom and encouragement to me, often -- as I did today -- when I attempted to find his phone number online and stumbled upon the notice of his passing. I had not seen him since he came to hear me play at a church in Yorktown many years ago, and I wanted to let him know what I was doing these days and what I had going on musically. I also wanted to thank him again for all he did many years ago to shape my future both on and off the stage. Although I was very deeply saddened to suddenly know I would not get to have that talk with him (that's still sinking in), I took some solace in the fact that I was so fortunate to have gotten to hug him after the Service that day long ago and look him in the eye and tell him how much he meant to me. His approval and support meant the world to me.

I tell stories about your Father all the time. I tell them to all sorts of folks in all sorts of situations - because much of what he said and did had relevance and impact on my life well beyond the walls of the Band Room, a football field, or the Stage. He set very high standards and demanded your best work towards them all of the time. The lessons, methods and work ethic he instilled in his students fostered and sustained excellence.

Like most great leaders, your Dad talked very little about himself. He was more interested in the success of others and the task at hand - but every now and then we would coax a little information out of him about his own experiences playing "back in the day". By my Senior year at Ferguson we had managed to piece together that he had played trombone in the Navy and that as a player he "did alright". Now and again we would ask him to play with us in the Stage Band and he always flatly refused, saying we didn't need "some old washed up trombone player up there." Well, later that year, on the night of a Stage Band Concert, our Bass Trombone player had not shown up and we were a few minutes away from taking the stage. Your Dad was less than pleased. I can still see the look on his face as he dropped his head and slowly shook it side to side in that way we he often did... He then got up out of his Director's chair and headed for his office. I followed a little ways behind him and watched as he unlocked a cabinet door that I had never seen open, pulled out a Bass Trombone case, opened it up and started putting the horn together. I was standing in the doorway, wide-eyed in disbelief at what I was seeing - and he looked up at me and said, "What are you looking at? Go get everyone on the stage!" Once we were in place on stage, he came out from the wings with a smile and walked over to the microphone with his horn in hand and pleasantly announced to the audience that due to unforeseen circumstances, he was being pressed into duty on trombone for this performance. He then turned his back to the audience and walked over to his spot on the right edge of the trombone section (slowly shaking his head all the way) and counted off the opening tune. As we began to play I was immediately conscious of this huge, fat wall of sound coming over my left shoulder. It was so incredible that I just had to turn around to watch him go. Man oh man, he could flat out PLAY! As soon as I turned around, he scowled at me and yelled, "Play!!". He didn't miss a note the entire show and we were all amazed at how good he really was. It's one of my all-time favorite memories of him.

What he did that night was nothing short of incredible -- much like his entire life. He never held anyone to a standard he couldn't meet or exceed himself. If you left it up to him, he'd tell you that he was not that special. Everyone who knew him knows different, though. He was a gift to many generations on so many levels -- and I'm so very grateful God put me in his path when he did.

You and your families are in my prayers.

Doug Cantu
FHS '81

George Jolly

November 13, 2010

From the members of the Huntington High School alumni Washington Metro Chapter, we extend our sincerest condolences to the family of a man that help mold our early lives and whom we respected greatly.

Patricia Wells-cQueen

November 12, 2010

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Renee Wilson

November 11, 2010

Mr. Herring was a wonderful band director. I have fond memories of our performances at football games. He meant business in the class and it showed on the field. Rest in peace Mr. Herring. Fondly - Renee Wilson

Beth DeHardit Richardson

November 11, 2010

To the Herring family,
Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of Mr. Herring. I was fortunate to have met him while gathering information for a story in the newspaper. His warm welcome made me feel as if I was returning to visit an old friend. A kind, generous, and caring person, I will cherish our meeting.

Wendell Hughes

November 9, 2010

Laverne and Wray, please accept my deepest condolences for the passing of your father. He always impressed me as a wonderful combination of dignity, humor, and leadership devoid of sanctimony. His talents as a band director were certainly elite college level, and I am privileged to have been in his band. He was among the forefront of teachers that made Huntington an educational experience rarely available to today's youth. Peace, Chip Hughes

November 9, 2010

DEAR HERRING FAMILY, OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AT THIS DIFFICULT TIME. I WAS PRIVELEGED TO HAVE KNOWN BOTH YOUR MOM AND DAD, COULD'NT HAVE ASKED FOR NICER MORE CARING PEOPLE.TAKE GOOD CARE AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER ALWAYS. LOVE JOAN STUBBS & FAMILY GLOUCESTER, VA..

November 9, 2010

Wray and Laverne,
I am truly sorry to hear of the loss of your father. I can honestly say he was one of the most influential men in my life. He not only taught me music, but leadership, loyalty, and commitment. And he had a great sense humor. A true roll model. Everyone knew when they had messed up when his jaws got tight. There are many fond memories to be had by all. I hope you can find these memories to hold onto. I will

B Heathcock

November 9, 2010

May the peace of God give you comfort and peace. He was the best band director ever and his memory shall not be forgotten. I shared many stories of the mighty Huntington High School band under the direction of Mr. Herring who was before his time. Many bands tried to copy his style, but they were no match. We preformed on a college level and were better than most. My children and grand children also offer prayers of comfort for his memories have always been kept alive with my many stories of our marching band.

November 8, 2010

What an extroadinary musician, educator, band director, mentor and man. I am honored having learned from him. Viking Drum Section (63-66) Cleveland Mabry

LeVonda Henry-Crittenden

November 8, 2010

What an amazing legacy Mr.Herring has left behind in the students lives he touched so deeply. Wray and Laverne your father shall be missed greatly for he lived his life uplifting spirits. So we all lift him up with dignity and the joy he brought to many. One of his selected Huntington majorettes 1966-70.

Terrie Smith - Matthews

November 8, 2010

To the Herring Family:
I offer my sincere condolences to your family. It is not easy to walk though the lost of a loved one. I know that this is a difficult time for you all , but I pray you will find comfort in knowing that the Lord our God is always there to give you the comfort you need. Remember that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Please know that there are so many who have wonderful memories of Mr. Herring and the great man that he was, and that he will live on for many years to come in those memories.
may God bless and keep you all.

Gwen Moore Frost

November 8, 2010

I was proud to be a member of the elite HHS Marching Band. I was in the band from 1963 to 1965 and I loved it but I had to give up band to take D.E. in order to work. I was in the HHS Clas of '67. I never knew Mr. Herring was from NC A&T. I am an Aggie also - no wonder HHS had such a good band. Today the A&T Band is still tops. My sincere sympathy to the Herring family. Mr. Herring taught us that in order to be good - you had to practice, practice, practice. If you missed practice, you couldn't march. He was strict yet he had a good since of humor. He brought that Aggie Pride to HHS because he always emphasized how important it was to be a part of something and to take it seriously and be the best you could be at it. I am sorry that I missed my Viking friends today for the Homegoing Celebration(11.8.2010) because I just got the news. I definitely would have been there. My deepest sympathy to the family of a great leader.

Linda Stewart

November 8, 2010

May God bless the family and keep you strong in your time of sadness.

Tracy King

November 8, 2010

To Mr. Herring's family and friends my deepest sympathies. As a young band student of Mr. Herring's at Ferguson High School class of '81, I must say he made more of an impact in my life than anyone outside of my own family. The years we spent as his students were turning points for us all. And those of us that followed his lead and example are better for it today. It can truely be said that Mr. Herring changed the world. His impact will be felt for generations. Truely one of the greatest men I've ever known.

Tracy (Hille) King
FHS '81

Thomas Denson

November 8, 2010

Mr. Herring was my favorite teacher. He was largely responsible for me getting into college at Elizabeth City State University on a Band Scholarship. That degree opened a lot of doors for me. He had stopped taking student teachers when it was my turn to do that. He made an exception for me. That's the kind of man he was. He is easily one of the most influential people in my life. I can't say enough about him. He will truly be missed but his influence will live on. May the Peace of God rest on you and your family. Ferguson High School Class of 1976.

November 8, 2010

To The Herring Family

Though I never met Wray Herring personally, I knew him well. First as a young girl, through my sister Ann Sneed who was a majorette in "his" great mighty mighty Hutington High School band (51-55) Class of '55. For years my sister Ann told me about this man and the exciting times of being in his band. I would wait up for her after each football game and march.

Years later, I met Mr. Herring and his entire family again, not physically but through his beloved wife and one of my mentors Sadie Ruth Herring, with whom I worked with in the Huntington Memorial Library at Hampton University, where I was Secretary of the Library.

I think of Mr. Herring and Mrs. Herring with so many loving and fond memories and my life has been enriched from knowing them and their family.May God bless and sustain you.

Lillie Sneed Hubbard
Class of 57

Stella Grant

November 8, 2010

Dear Wray and Laverne,
Time passes so swiftly I cannot believe your father's time has come to an end. I can see his terrfic smile in my mind's eye and hear that fabulous band. Your Dad and Mom were my friends and I miss them.
May you remember the good times during his long life and the wonderful things he did for family and the community. God bless you and all the members of your family.

November 8, 2010

To the Herring family I pray this reaches you in the best of health and spirit. You have my deepest simpathy. Mr. Herring was my band teacher at Ferguson High from 1979-1981.He allowed me to play the tuba at half time in my football uniform. He made it possible for me to make and play in the Grambling State marching Band as a freshman.He was a great man. Everett Lee(Newport News,Va.)

JOHN (SWEETOE) THOMAS

November 8, 2010

TO THE HERRING FAMILY,MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS A FAMILY THAT HAS LOST A PERSON THAT HAS CONTRIBUTE SOMETHING TO THE WHOLE NEWPORT NEWS SCHOOL SYSTEM.I WAS CONECTED TO MR HERRING WITH BEING IN THE CHOIR(MR BOLDIN)BOTH DEPARTMENTS AND INSTRUCTOR WAS LIKE ONE.MR HERRING MUSIC MUSIC WAS AN UNDERSTATMENT.IT WAS MUSIC THAT NOONE ELSE COULD MASTERED.TO RAY JR WE WAS FRIENDS AROUND THE HERRING/BOLDIN PERIOD.SO AT THE END KEEP LOOKING TOWARD THE SKY THAT WHERE YOUR STRENGTH WILL COME FROM.GOD LOVE THE FAMILY AND SO DO WE.GOD BLESS.

Maggie Twine

November 8, 2010

offering our deepest condolences during this diffcult time. Maggie Mathis Twine, HHS Class of 1970

Donna Chadwick

November 8, 2010

My sincere condolences to the Herring Family. I wish to personally say thank you for sharing your Father with so many of his band students. He was indeed a mentor and he never let us settle for anything less than our best. I remember him taking me to all city band tryouts when my family didn't have a car, and once I made it, taking me to practice. I was a student conductor under his leadership and he taught me how to strive for excellence and my success in life, in part, can be attributed to him. He has so many success stories from his students. Gone from the body, but never from my heart.

Jennifer Martin

November 8, 2010

Although I did not know Mr. Herring as well as some, he treated me and my son just as family.It was a pleasure to know him and to be considered a friend.I pray for strength and peace for your family. God Bless

November 8, 2010

I would like to extend my deapest heartfelt sympathy. Mr. Herring for a lot of Vikings was a caring man. He put together a band that was out of site, while teaching us teamwork and discipline. He will always be remembered for the work he did at Huntington High.

One of his students
Pam Whitaker

Dr. J. Maria Wingfield-Saunders, D. Min.

November 8, 2010

To the Herring Family,
On behalf of the Batts Family, I would like to extend my heartfelt condolescences to your family.

My sister, Carolyn and I were majorettes for HHS. This was one of the most enjoyable periods of my life. To be able to step out onto the field with pride and dignity as a mighty majorette Viking. Mr. Herring had a way of putting the 'fear of God' in you. All he had to do was give you 'that look' and every band member knew we better shape up or he would call you out.

As I've read the many statements in this guest book, I can only agree that Mr. Herring was truly a wonderful, kind, and special man. He will forever be missed but always remembered.

To the family, keep your hands in God's hands and your days ahead God will sustain you.

Antonio Rollins

November 8, 2010

May God comfort and keep all of Mr Herrings family and friends at this time of loss. He had such a wonderful effect on the lives of so many students, band members (including myself), and the community. I learned so much about music and life in his class. I was a proud member of the marching 'Sound of a Hundred'. I join with all of the previous comments in saying he will surely be missed, but, never forgotten.

Joyce Yates-Moore

November 7, 2010

My deepest sympathy to the Herring family for your loss. Thank you for sharing your father/ love one with the students of Huntington High School. Mr. Herring was always a man of remarkable character who impacted the lives of many. He was a wonderful educator and mentor.
I credit him for my appreciation of music, especially classical and jazz music.

Diane Davis

November 7, 2010

Prayers and condolences are sent to the Herring family during the loss of your loved one. Mr. Herring's name is mentioned often in my conversations comparing the bands of today with the bands back in the 70s at Ferguson High School (real performances and music with the band, majorettes, and cheerleaders). His legend will live forever in my heart. He is now resting in the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. May you find peace and strength in knowing that the Lord will provide your every need today and always. Pray your strength in the Lord!

Diane Davis, CAPTAIN, Majorette Squad, Class of 1977 FHS

Ferenzo Gainey Jr.

November 7, 2010

Mr. Herring, my godfather was a well respected and loved man. I appreciate him for being a part of my life,from a child to an adult spending time with him and Mrs. Herring were blessed moments that I will cherish. I will miss you, but never forget!

Ivy "Lolo" Burden-Pope

November 7, 2010

I would like to express my sympathy to the Herring family from the Burden family of Newport News. You are in our prayers.

Charles W Finley

November 7, 2010

My sincere condolences go out to the Herring family on the loss of your father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. I had the pleasant experience to do my student teaching under Wray's tutelage at Huntington High School in 1969. Although the experience was relatively short, he taught me so much that I was able to carry over to my own teaching experience as a high school band director. I will never forget him and the respect he earned as Huntington's band director.

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

David & Mable Malloy

November 7, 2010

Mr Herring was more then just a band director. He was a father, mentor, brother, friend, adviser, teacher and a role model to many. So many of us owe our lives and current successes to him. He never asked much, but always was willing to give of himself. He may be gone physically, but he will live on in each and everyone of us who has had the opportunity to meet him.

Margaret Brown-Jones

November 7, 2010

I never had the honor of having Mr Herring as a band director, I am however, a product of the Newport News Music Family. Having my 1st experience with another director of expertise, Newport News Strings Director, Mrs. Margaret Phillips Davis. I met Mr. Herring through my godfather. Also, he was my godfather's next door neighbor. I am so sorry to hear about the most "Direct," band director's passing. Even back in the old Huntington Band Days! The Drum line woke us up every morning in downtown Newport News! It was an alarm througout the downtown area. It said," Arise & listen to the world of music!" C'mon y'all Tell IT! Cause you know it's true.I remained active in band at Warwick High School. I remember the competitions, WHS -vs -FHS bands as well. Always, good good music. Our community has lost a dedicated musician from home. He will be missed!

November 7, 2010

May god continue his blessings for the Herring family. A legend in his time and a great mentor to me at a young age playing the saxophone. Training me musically and inviting me on gigs with him, performing with the Dewitt Cook orchestra, Grant Tolbert & The Melotones and other soul bands. Wray left an indelible print in my memory. You will be missed brother. Mr. trombonist.

November 7, 2010

So many memories flow through my mind of Mr Herring,from his sterness in dealling with us kids and even him taking the time to teach us about life in suttle ways.He was not only firm but he also took the time to laugh with us,I believe he knew each and every child in his care personally.Just his pressence demanded respect and class.I would like to thank the family for sharing him with the community Vernon S. Epps Ferguson Class of 81

Nikki Grandberry

November 7, 2010

My condolences to Wray, Jr., LaVerne and Mr. Herring's many family and extended family members.

My time spent with Mr. Herring in his marching and concert bands remains among my happiest memories of HHS. He was such a consummate gentleman as well as endowed with much grace and dignity.

Not only did he meticulously teach music, but also lessons in productivity, responsibility, good citizenship and discipline.

You only had to experience his withering stare as he closed the gates of the practice field on tardy band members to know you NEVER wanted to experience that (I only experienced it ONCE and that was enough).

Thank you Wray and LaVerne for sharing your beloved father with so many of us who will always hold him dear.

The "Sound of 100," under Mr. Herring's deft direction, lives on forever as will adored memories of him.

Earl V. Ford Jr.

November 7, 2010

My Dad and Wray played together years before I ever thought of playing the Trombone.
He was a good friend of my family as well as my first musical mentor. Having made a career of playing music I sometimes curse him when times are rough and praise him when things he taught me make life good.
My condolences are with his family and I'm sure there is another good trombonist in Gods' orchestra.

November 7, 2010

Mr Herring was a mentor to me and taught me many things I needed to know in life. My love of classical music is attributed to Mr. Herring's teachings while I was a member of the Award winning Huntington HS band. God bless his family. What a wonderful legacy Mr. Herring has given us. I hope God has a special place for Ray in his kingdom. Theodore Freeman Class of 1957 Brandon, Fl.

Sherman Dodson

November 7, 2010

My the Lord Bless and Comfort The Herring Family. Mr. Herring iconic figure in the School System and the Communities. He touched so many kids in a way to adulthood. He will truly be missed.

Terry Dodson-Whitlow

November 7, 2010

To the family, we will miss Mr.Herring, he was truly a great man, and i've always had alot of respect for him, from our days at FHS..my condolences to you'll..God, has called a great one to live in his kingdom.

James Fleming

November 7, 2010

Mr. Herring had such influence that he influenced my life even before I played a note for his band. Ms. Brite (elementary), Mr. Smith ("Junior" high) and Mr. Williams (Grace Emanuel Band House of Prayer) all warned that I had to remain disciplined and practice to be ready to play for Mr. Herring. Thank you Mr. Herring for your positive influence!

Dr. Ernest Thomas

November 7, 2010

Mr. Herring was an outstanding musician, educator, and role model. He gave me the opportunity to be part of the Mighty Viking band at Huntington and Ferguson High Schools as part of the drum section. More than that, he taught me, along with my own father, how to be a compassionate person. It is because of him that I choose the path of a professional educator after retiring from the Air Force. Although not a music teacher, I have played for various groups and Air Force Chapel programs in the Far East and in the United States. I feel that I would be remiss in honoring him if I did not attend his service and have every intention of being there. May GOD bless the remaining family.

Ernest E. Thomas, PhD

November 6, 2010

May the Lord be with the Herring family doing this time of need. Mr. Herring was very instrumental in my life, while attending FHS. His assistance made it possible for me to attend a number of basketball camps each year. There were many one on one talks about life after school and basketball. Although he will be greatly and sadly missed here on earth, he will be appreciated in heaven. God Bless the Herring family.

Dousey Richardson
Miami, FL

The MIzell Family

November 6, 2010

Mr. Herring was a wonderful person and role model for many young people.He will be missed greatly.

Michael & Ann Foster

November 6, 2010

Wray was our song leader at the 8:00 AM Mass at St Therese for several years. He was loved by many of us who knew him and he will be missed. He was a member of Council 9428 of the Knights of Columbus and was very active in the community life of our parish. He will be remembered for his gentle and caring ways and for his wonderful since of humor. I know he is with Jesus for he was truely one of His beloved followers. May God comfort and watch over Wray's family and friends through this time of sorrow.

BEVERLY BLOUNT JOHNSON

November 6, 2010

THE BEST BAND IN NEWPORT NEWS THANK YOU MR.HERRING.MAY GOD BLESS AND KEEP HIS LOVING ARMS AROUND THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS.HUNTINGTON HIGH SCHOOL BAND 1965.

Douglas Person

November 6, 2010

To The Herring Family:

Mr. Herring was the most dynamic educator and musician to have taught music. His genius was evident year in and year out in his half-time shows and many concerts at Huntington High School. His impact on student muscians is immeasureable and his legacy shall live on through the many he has taught. The Class of "1963" join the many Mighty Vikings who share in your grief and offer you our prayers as well. May God "Keep and Bless" you all during this most difficult time.

Douglas Person (former Drummajor)
Class '63 Secretary

Tarona Lee Bailey Sr.

November 6, 2010

Mr. Herring was a very important part of my life as a young man and musically. He will forever be in my heart and a guide in my life. May God bless the Herring family in there time of grief.

November 6, 2010

Mr. Herring was a man of dignity and kindness always. The students loved him and so did I.
Bonnie Carlson, former choral director, Ferguson High School

Ira Newsome

November 6, 2010

No one knows the number of lives Mr. Herring touched..whether band members or not and most of all we smile when we think of the Marching Vikings hit the field or took the stage. We thank you for sharing your Dad with us.

Jackie Richardson

November 6, 2010

To a mighty mighty Viking, and band leader, Mr. Wray R. Herring. Growing up without a father, I watched Mr. Herring daily as a band member from 1960-1964 and got a picture of a man, a father, an educator, and a mentor. It's been 46 years and the memory of Mr. Herring remains fresh in my mind. He recognized and encouraged me. Rest in Peace. Jackie Maxwell Richardson

Ms. Loretta Anderson

November 6, 2010

On behalf of the Class of Huntington High School 1972 we send our deepest condolences to Mr. Herring's family. He will be greatly missed.

Frederick D. Boyd

November 6, 2010

It was an honor to have known and worked with Mr. Herring at Huntington and Ferguson High Schools. Wray proved to be a valued friend and mentor over the years who leaves a rich legacy. May GOD continue to bless and comfort each family member during this difficult period.

Annette Crawley & Family

November 6, 2010

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

James Sanford

November 6, 2010

Mr. Herring was a man who immersed himself in his students. He knew how to bring out the best in them as musicians and individuals. He will be truly missed, yet always remembered.

Neda Gordon

November 6, 2010

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

DEBORAH SCOTT

November 6, 2010

To The Family of Mr. Herring Sr.
"My prayers are with your family at this time, condolences deeply express for the passing of your loved one". Mr Herring played a major part of my family he was my father Robert Scott music teacher at Huntington High. He was like a father to him and my siblings and I heard about Mr. Herring our entire life. He was there when my parents Robert & Elnora Scott got married in 1960. He was at their 50th Class Reunion 1959- 2009 celebration because my dad drove to Gloucester, VA to pick him up and take him home. Lastly, me & my siblings were so happy to meet Mr. Herring when he attended my parents 50th Wedding Anniversary Celebration July 2010. My brother Pastor Bobby Scott officated the ceremony and I sang with my family choir singing "My Help" Ps 121. It is what I want to leave the family with today, the loving memories to cherish & to be extremely proud of a man, who was used by God to TOUCH so many young peoples lives thru his talent & love for Music. May God Continue to Keep You In His Loving Hands. Dee Scott & Our East & Westcoast Family

Ruth Davis Smith HHS-- Class of 67

November 6, 2010

Mr. Herring was a dynamic leader and educator; his legacy will live forever.

My thoughts and prayers are with you; our Lord and Savior hold you in the palms of his hands during this difficult time.

God Bless

Linda Jacobs

November 6, 2010

I remember when I became a student of Mr. Herring back in 1976. On the very first day I knew I would be in trouble because the first thing he said is "you know I know your mother". For the next three years I was taught under Mr. Herring and eventually not only did I view him as a great director and teacher, but a wonderful mentor as well. When I was wrong, he would let me know; famous for pounding his directive stick on the table when we would not hit that note just right...but before the end of the class and receving the satisfaction of us getting it right, he would say something cleverly funny to make us all laugh at ourselves. I will alsways love you Mr. Herring for those times and I will never forget them. I wish the Herring family much peace and grace through theri lost...just know he has gain all of heaven's bands to lead... thanks for being who you were, an great icon.

Sheree Gatling-Alston

November 6, 2010

I grew up in Newport News. Huntington High School and its band was always the rage and where you aspired to be. I also remember my cousins and others that went to the games only for the band. I wasn't allowed to go because I was a little kid. Oh but when I did I was mesmerized and desired to play an instrument. He gave me the gift of music (not as his student I had to Menchville) that I passed on to my daughters who are Percussionist and have a knowledge of other instruments and different genres of music. I attend St Therese and the last time I saw him I introduced myself to him and told him thank-you. I was talking to a mutual friend and I have learned that he could do almost anything. May he rest in the rest that he has truly deserved.

June Montgomery

November 6, 2010

I was saddened to hear of Mr. Herring's passing. I stopped to reflect on the fond memories I have of him. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Rev. Charles Cheek

November 6, 2010

"For He Himself has said, "I will never leave nor forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5)

To Wray and LaVerne,
The memories are many, the words are plenty and yet the heart still yearns for one final human touch. We have been blessed to have traveled a portion of our earthly journey with your father. I have those precious memories and will forever hold them near.

May God's continued Grace and Mercy provide comfort to you during the days and nights of this transition period.

Hermine Bacote Albea

November 6, 2010

To the Herring family,
There will never be another Wray Herring. It was quite an honor to have known Mr. Herring, especially when I attended Huntington High School and to hear that band strike up. No other band sounded like Mr. Herrings band and what a proud man he was to hear that band, under his direction, play. He will be greatly missed. Find peace in the lifelong memories and legacy that Mr. Herring has left behind. My deepest sympathy is extended to the entire Herring family. To Mr. Herring, God does not make any mistakes. It was time for God to bring in the best band director there ever was. So you get the band together and teach that band how a real band is suppose to sound.

Ferenzo & Debbie Gainey

November 6, 2010

Mr. Herring or Wray as we learned to call him, was truly a great man who would always have the time to share himself and his wisdom. He enjoyed talking about his days at Huntington and all the students over the years, and he would look across his pastures at the black angus cows and sometimes reference the similarities between the behavior of the cows and his former students. We will miss our friend, teacher and mentor. We loved him and will never forget him!

CYNTHIA DAVIS

November 6, 2010

My sincerest condolences on the passing of Ray Herring. May he rest in peace.
Cynthia Davis

Sheila Marks Link & The Furbush Family

November 6, 2010

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home

November 6, 2010

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

Holly Mitchell

November 5, 2010

We only corresponded twice a year... on our birthdays, and Valentines Day, but any teacher who stays in touch with a student for thirty years is something special. There is a hole in my heart just the size of Mr Herring's smile. He touched many lives, and is missed.

Bonnie A Newby Jr

November 5, 2010

To the Herring Family & Friends,

I am Bonnie A Newby Jr and I live in Wisconsin. Wray Herring has played a vital role in who I am as a black man. He along with my father Bonnie Sr are the 2 black men that made me who I am today. Wray and my Dad taught me through their deeds and actions how to conduct myself myself as a black man in a white man's world. These 2 men are my heroes.
My Dad left me in 2006 and now my 2nd Dad Wray left me on Nov. 2nd 2010. I will for the rest of my life value knowing Wray and I want to let you the family know what he has meant to me. I am one of many that have been influenced by Mr Herring and I expect that this will be borne out to you during this period when people acknowledge what Mr Herring mans to them. I like many of his students followed him into the world of music. He accomplished something that cannot be duplicated in our community because of the attack that the arts is getting for various reasons. It serves no purpose to list them here however it is of note to say here that men like Wray Herring have made the world a better place due to his contributions in helping to develop black men and women. Our community is blessed to have had him. He will be missed but he is now with God and that is a better place. A place where age and illness are not an issue.
I miss him and I do hereby extend my sincere condolences to his family for your loss. We his "BAND" will have a great band when we meet again under his leadership.

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