William Herring Jr.

1934 - 2025

Funeral Services for William Bruce "Dub" Herring, Jr., age 91, of Carriere, MS, who passed away Wednesday, October 8, 2025, will be held Monday, October 13, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at Roseland Park Baptist Church.

Visitation will be Sunday, October 12, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Roseland Park Baptist Church. Also a visitation will be held on Monday, October 13, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Roseland Park Baptist Church.

Burial will be in New Palestine Cemetery under the direction of McDonald Funeral Home.

Rev. Dan Young will officiate the service, assisted by Rev. Allen Hickman.

William Bruce "Dub" Herring, a beloved figure in his community and a dedicated family man, passed away peacefully on October 8th, 2025, at the age of 91. Born on June 11, 1934, in Elliot, Mississippi, he was the son of Inez Taylor Herring and William Bruce Herring Sr. Paw Paw's journey through life was marked by his unwavering love for his family, his commitment to his Lord, community, and his relentless pursuit of excellence in all of his endeavors. Dub was a member of Roseland Park Baptist Church for over 40 years. He served as a deacon and Sunday School director as well as a teacher.

Paw Paw was preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his children, Margaret Elaine Weeks Herring, three sisters, Alice Andrews, Floyce Rose, and Sue Parks, and a brother, Felix Herring. He later married Donna Wilson Herring on July 14, 2006, who was his devoted caregiver until his passing. He is survived by a sister, Ada King, and his children, Cindy Herring Harper, Jody B. Herring, Jay Herring, Cathy Herring Deakles, 12 beloved grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild, who all carry on his legacy of love and kindness.

His early years were filled with adventure, as he bravely served in the Navy as a corpsman during the Korean War in 1951. Following his service, he pursued an education and played football at Holmes County Junior College. He started his career as a postman in Pascagoula, and transitioned into car sales at Estabrook Ford and Pringle Ford before purchasing Stewart Ford in Picayune, Mississippi, in 1978. This was just the beginning of a remarkable journey that included the acquisition of a Chrysler dealership and the establishment of seven Paw Paw's Camper City locations across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as Louisiana and Alabama.

Paw Paw's charismatic personality and dedication to customer service were the hallmarks of his business. He became a beloved local celebrity through commercials featuring his grandchildren, where they joyfully proclaimed, "That's a Good Car, Paw Paw!" His impact extended far beyond the realm of business; he was a pillar of strength and support in the community.

Recognized for his philanthropic spirit, Paw Paw received numerous accolades throughout his life. He was honored as the "1993 Picayune Citizen of the Year", the Coast Philanthropist of the Year, and the "1999 Time Magazine/Firestone Mississippi Dealer of the Year." His commitment to the community was evident in his involvement with the Lay Renewal Ministry, where he served as the statewide coordinator and speaker, and participated in over 350 lay renewals in several states. He was also the co-founder and director of Day-Star Ministries, which specialized in the care and education of abused women, and an active member of the Gideon's for 55 years, reflecting his deep-rooted faith and dedication to service.

Dub had a special interest in helping people with addictions, and he founded the Jacob's Well Recovery Center for women. He also co-founded and served as a 40 year board member of the Home of Grace.

An avid sports fan, Paw Paw showed immense support for local sports teams. He contributed to the creation of Dub Herring Park, a baseball field named in his honor at Pearl River Community College. It is referred to as "The Dub."

In a world that often seems chaotic, William B. "Paw Paw" Herring was a constant source of love and inspiration. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten, as his spirit lives on in the memories he created and the countless lives he touched.

Paw Paw's life was a mosaic of love, compassion, and dedication. He touched the lives of many, leaving behind a legacy that will endure through the ages. His funeral service will be held on October 13, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at Roseland Park Baptist Church, where family, friends, and community members will gather to celebrate the extraordinary life of a true "southern" gentleman.Dub is perhaps best remembered for his commercials, "That's a Good Car, Paw Paw!"

Dub was a Gideon and would ask for any donations in his honor to go to Gideon International. Gideons.org.