Edward Dean "Eddie" Herndon Jr.

Edward Dean Herndon Jr died on August 30th, at 10:13pm, at the age of 79, surrounded by his children in the home of his daughter Ruth Ann Baty and son in law David Baty. He was born in Russellville, Ky, on January 15th, 1946, to Edward Dean Herndon Sr. and Lucille Herndon. He was a 1964 graduate of Northside HS in Jackson TN. He attended Freed Hardeman College on a voice scholarship singing in the choir before he left to take a job with Rockwell International in Jackson, TN. He furthered his education attending the College of the Ozarks in Clarksville AR and Anderson College in Anderson SC. Eddie gave his life to Christ at an early age and became a leader in the Church of Christ. He led singing at Allen and Edgewood C of C (Jackson TN), Clarksville C of C (Clarksville AR), Anderson C of C (Anderson SC), and filled in as needed at the New Johnsonville C of C (New Johnsonville TN). He was highly sought after to lead singing at numerous gospel meetings in KY, TN, and AR. In addition, he provided vocals at numerous weddings and funerals for decades. Eddie began his singing career at very early age with his sister Dean, singing at Church, restaurants, nursing homes, and anywhere their father Ed could line up. Eddie and Dean most notably won a singing contest in Nashville when he was six years old and was then asked to perform live at Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on live TV and radio. He and Dean went on to be featured guests on the Nashville radio gospel hour. As an adult, he most notably founded the Southern Flames with Levon Bean, and Bob Bean. The Southern Flames became a very popular country western group fronting Tammy Wynette, Ronnie Milsap, George Jones, Jerry Reed, John Conlee, and many other performing artists. They represented Arkansas at two World's Fairs and were featured by then Governor Bill Clinton for Arkansas country music. While Eddie had an illustrious work life, he worked most of his career as a quality control manager and injection mold specialist in the power tool industry. He finished his professional career as a parole officer in Humphrey Co (TN).
Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Ruth Ann Baty (David), Lora Herndon Goad (Brandon), and his son, Eddie Lee Herndon (Amber); 10 grand children and 8 great grand children.
Along with his parents Ed and Lucille Herndon, he is proceeded in death by his sister Dean Short and brother-in-law Hal Short Sr.
A visitation will be held at New Johnsonville Church of Christ in New Johnsonville TN, at 10am with service at 11am and graveside to follow. The service will be officiated by Brother Bobby O'Dell, preacher at New Johnsonville Church of Christ.
Arrangements are entrusted to Luff Bowen funeral home. Online condolences may be made by visiting our website at luffbowen.com. 2400 Highway 13 North, Waverly, TN 37185 931-296-2437 To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Edward "Eddie", please visit our Tree Store.