Needham Herring

Needham Herring

November 8, 1944 – September 11, 2025

Needham Herring, 80, passed away on September 11, 2025, at his home. Needham was born in Lenoir County to the late William Bryan Herring Sr. and Ernestine Darden Herring on November 8, 1944. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, William Bryan "Bill" Herring Jr.

A master of eastern North Carolina-style barbecue, Needham perfected his skill through years of service at local restaurants. For over twenty years, he worked at Ken's Grill and later joined the team at Wilbur's in Goldsboro, where he used his skills in cooking, chopping, and perfect seasoning to create delicious barbecue. He always dreamed of opening his own restaurant, where his decades of expertise could be showcased. Never afraid of hard work, he was willing to do whatever was needed to care for his family.

Before his work in restaurants, Needham served as the broadcasting manager for the Woolco Department Store, where he also humored many as "Cousin Wooly" the clown. He also served as the shipping supervisor at Carolina Dairies until their closing.

Known for his jovial personality and deep care for his loved ones, Needham was always a pleasure to be around. He cherished his family above all. From picking his grandkids up from school to spending time together on a Saturday afternoon, he always ended their visits with his signature farewell: "I'm glad you got to see me."

A service of love and remembrance will be held at La Grange Christian Church at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. Committal will follow at Fairview Cemetery, La Grange.

Needham is survived by his daughter, Tabitha Rouse; grandchildren, Shane West (Faith), Ivey Gomez (Damion), Mila Williams, and Remington Rouse; siblings, Bobby Herring and Barbara Sue Herring; nephews and nieces, Bryan Herring, Lane Adams, Jimmy Herring, Rachel H. Watkins, and Parker Herring; and special friends, Bob Mooring and Hoyt Bradicich.

The family will receive friends for a time of visitation from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. on Monday, September 15, 2025, at Rouse Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Needham's memory to La Grange Christian Church, P.O. Box 442, La Grange, NC 28551. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.