William Herron Jr.

1929 - 2017

William Herron, Jr.

Memphis, TN

William Herron, Jr. was born February 28, 1929, and passed on January 21, 2017. He was born in Pickens County, Alabama. He was the son of the late William and Minnie Lee Coleman Herron. He was preceded in death by his brothers and sister, E.B. Rogers, H.B., and Annie Bell Gibson. His family resided in Aliceville, Alabama. He attended school in Aliceville, but quit to pick cotton and help feed his family after his mother died when he was 15 years old. In 1954, he married Melva Lean Taylor, and to this union they were blessed with four children: Malia, Phyllis, William III, and Marcia. Melva Lean passed in 1973, and William III passed in 2013. On June 4th, 1977, William married Evelyn Morgan, and two sons were added to this union: Tracy and Patrick. In 1998, Michael Joel completed the family. William's surviving family includes 16 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. William's surviving family includes one sister: Mrs Annie Bee Rice. One grandson (Dana) and one great-grandchild (Anala) preceded him in death.

When William came to Memphis in 1953, he worked for the Ferry Morris Seed Company, then worked for the Iverson Piano Factory. In 1966, he went to work for Cooper Realty (today known as Cooper Hotels), hired by Mr. Irby Cooper. William worked for 48 years, first at 969 Madison, and then the last 26 years at the Doubletree Hotel at 5069 Sanderlin, holding the position of Chief Engineer. He helped to open both locations. William was a member of the Salem Gilfield Baptist Church for 39 years, serving as Deacon, Building Engineer, Trustee, and choir member. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was always devoted to his family, church, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Visitation will be held at Salem Gilfield Baptist Church, 3176 Kimball Avenue, Memphis, TN 38111 on Friday, January 27, 2017, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Funeral will be held Saturday, January 28 at Salem Gilfield Baptist Church at 12 noon, with visitation one hour before the service. Burial will follow at Memphis Memory Gardens, 6444 Raleigh LaGrange Rd.