William Henry Herring, Jr.

October 7, 2025

William Henry Herring, Jr, “Bill”, died peacefully on Oct 7, 2025. He was born on May 3, 1934 in Goldsboro, NC and was raised in Gastonia, NC by his parents William and Ruby Herring. Bill graduated from Gastonia High School and NC State University with a degree in Civil Engineering where he was a member of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. He was a saxophone player and played in bands at events throughout the Carolinas and Virginia and at Myrtle Beach in the summers. He served as an officer in the US Navy on the USS Richard E. Kraus.
 
Bill earned an MBA and PhD from Georgia State University and taught in the business schools of University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Memphis University and Winthrop University. He later became a custom home builder and started Herring Homes building in River Hills on Lake Wylie, SC and in Charlotte. He had a presence at the Allen Tate office at Southpark where his wife Becky was a Realtor, and he created her real estate website in the early years of the internet which aided in her success.
 
He was a founding member of River Hills Country Club and former president of the River Hills Lions Club. He enjoyed cooking, jazz and beach music, watching NC State sports and the Carolina Panthers, and showing old movies weekly at the Barclay.
 
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Rebecca “Becky” Wade Herring, daughters Jill Graham (Doug) and Missy Banks (Scott), grandchildren Meredith Banks Barbee (Jon), Anna Banks and Davis Graham. He is predeceased by his parents and sister Betty Jean Vinson.
 
The family will hold a drop-in celebration for Bill at the Barclay on Sat, October 25 from 3-5pm. 4801 Barclay Downs Drive. A private burial will be held earlier in the day at River Hills.
 
One of Bill’s greatest joys was listening to jazz music. He received a scholarship to Brevard Music School’s summer jazz camp when he was in high school. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to the Brevard Music Center, designated Jazz Scholarship Program. Address: Brevard Music Center, PO Box 312, Brevard, NC 28803. In memory of Bill Herring-BMC Jazz Scholarship.
 
Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606.  Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

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  • Toni Steedman Zelickson

    One of my favorite men from my days at River Hills. Always happy, kind and a gentleman. A great father, husband and friend to all. Our condolences to the family.

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  • Herb and Rosemarie Wahaus

    Condolences to Becky and the Herring family. We only met Bill recently eating dinner together and exchanging memories of living in River Hills 30 plus years. Warm regards, Rosemarie and Herb Wahaus

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  • Judy Laxer

    Condolences to Jill and the entire Herring family. We were privileged to raise our children in a “Herring Home” and as empty nesters, we look forward to enjoying our future grandchildren in the same house. It was a joy to work with Mr. Herring over 30 years ago, he will remain in our hearts. Sincerely, Judy and Eric Laxer, Charlotte, NC.

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  • Julia O'Connor

    My prayers and sympathy to Becky, Jill and Missy and all the extended family! I have especially fond memories of Bill from MANY years ago when I was a young teen and Jill was 12 or 13 mo old. Spending a week with the Herring family at Myrtle Beach was quiet a learning experience having lived in southern Indiana with little experience beyond. Deep Sea fishing, fish fries, beach and ocean (my first time) Becky & Bill's apartment in Atlanta are memories I hold dear. He was clearly brilliant and a true gentleman.

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  • Gina and Alan Strumpf

    Bill was always a gentleman, so knowledgeable and kind. We have wonderful memories of our real estate days together.. and I will never have a New Year’s Eve meal without his famous recipe of collards and make it every year, and I will continue to do so, making it in his honor.Rest easy dear friend. We’ll see you again at the dinner table one day.

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