of Maumelle, AR
October 8, 1935 - April 16, 2018
William Harrel Herring, 82, of Maumelle, Arkansas went to be with his Lord on April 16, 2018, surrounded by his family, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's. Harrel was born October 8, 1935 in Quitman to the late Ernest Thurlow Herring and Mary Cordelia (Langston) Herring.
Harrel devoted his life to sharing the gospel message with everyone he could. He truly cared for people and wanted to make sure they had the opportunity to know Jesus as their Savior personally. This legacy of faithful service is carried on by his loving wife of 46 years, Kathy (Stacy) Herring of Maumelle, twin sons, Jeff (Kristin) Herring of Maumelle and John (Alisha) Herring of Nixa, Missouri, five grandchildren, Abigail, Autumn and Austin Herring of Maumelle and Dalton and Macey Herring of Nixa, Missouri. He is also survived by three sisters, Mary Lois Clark of Conway, Willie Mae Karber of North Little Rock, Ernestine Mauldin of Quitman and two brothers, Carrol (Joan) Herring of Quitman and Burton (Judy) Herring of Shorter, Alabama, as well as a host of cousins, nieces and nephews, and friends.
Harrel was preceded in death by a grandchild and four sisters, Lola Elizabeth Kennedy, Helen Clestine Goodwin, Nina Bess Hoggard, and Menta Fay Skinner.
In 1953, Harrel began college as a part of the second class at Central Baptist College, and then moved onto Arkansas State Teacher's College where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master's in Counseling. He also earned a Master's in Administration from the University of Arkansas. His career was multi-faceted. He served as a teacher in Illinois for two years before accepting a position with the Pulaski County Special School District where he served for over 25 years as principal, teacher and counselor. After retiring from PCSSD, he drove a bus for special needs students whom he loved, and they loved him. He also served as a Captain in the Army National Guard, piloting helicopters and airplanes, where he retired after 20 years of service.
On September 3, 1968, Harrel was licensed to the gospel ministry by Park View Baptist Church in North Little Rock. He was ordained to the ministry on November 21, 1970. He became a bi-vocational pastor in the central Arkansas area, including: Beacon Baptist, Little Rock (1970-1972); Sand Springs Baptist, Quitman (1972-1974); New Bethany Baptist, Quitman (1974-1975); Old Euseba Baptist, Quitman (1975-1979); Highway Baptist, Judsonia (1982-1987); and New Hope Baptist, Beebe (1987-1992). He also served as Outreach Minister at Park View Baptist, North Little Rock beginning in 1995.
Throughout his life, Harrel was passionate about reaching people for Christ. Whether it was fellow guardsmen, students and colleagues at school, or a young child at church camp, he loved to share the good news of Jesus to those that needed to hear it. This passion led him and a few other pastors to begin the Baptist Missionary Association (BMA) Youth Camp in 1976 in order to provide a place to minister to students where they could hear the Gospel clearly. He served faithfully for over 35 years in various positions, including as camp director for many of those years. This camp ministry continues today, and children are still hearing the Gospel because of the faithfulness of men like him.
As a direct result of his involvement with camp ministries, Harrel wrote the book, Starting My Life with Christ. His desire was that this small book would bring honor and glory to God and help new believers develop a firm foundation for their Christian life. It has been used in camp ministries since its first printing in 1982, and has been translated into three languages, used in Ukraine, Africa, the Philippines and Spanish-speaking countries, as well as prison ministries, the radio ministry of Lifeword and the BMA of Arkansas missions.
A celebration of life will be held at Park View Baptist Church on Friday, April 20, at 10:00 a.m. Visitation will be at Roller McNutt Funeral home in Conway from 6-8 PM on April 19. Interment will be at Old Texas Cemetery in Quitman.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to Park View Baptist Church, 900 Donovan Briley Blvd, North Little Rock, Arkansas, 72118.
Sign Guestbook
10 Condolence(s)
Mark Betts
Friday, April 20, 2018
All the family is in our thoughts and prayer. We love you and look forward to all being together again in heaven one eternal day. Thank you Uncle Harrel for always loving us and making us a part of your family.
Bethany Lynn Kennedy
Friday, April 20, 2018
I'm sorry I've been ill and couldn't be there for the services. My thoughts,prayers, and most of all my love are with you all in this time of grief. Uncle Harrel was always good to me and I loved him very much.
Kathy Harper Pflughoeft
Thursday, April 19, 2018
Kathy and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I am sending you hugs, love, and prayers.
Teresa Conner
Thursday, April 19, 2018
My prayers and sympathy are with the family of Mr. Herring. I did not have the pleasure of meeting him, but I have worked with his son Jeff and daughter in-law Kristen. I can tell the love of family is so important as well as the love for our Lord and Savior, I'm sure it started at home. Blessings and prayers from your Maumelle High School PTSO family.
Tammy Porter
Wednesday, April 18, 2018
Mr. Herring was my elementary principal. Mr. Herring was the first (AND ONLY) principal that paddled me. I always had the highest respect for him. Mr. Herring was by far the nicest principal. He didn't want you afraid of him like most principals wanted. He always interacted with any child he passed, whether in the halls, on the playground or the cafeteria. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this time. May God give you the comfort and strength that only he can provide today and the many days to follow. RIP Mr. H.
Flat Rock Missionary Baptist Church
Wednesday, April 18, 2018
Deepest sympathy
T. Commander
Wednesday, April 18, 2018
Please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of Mr. Herring. No words could ever convey the pain of your heart but our loving Creator and Heavenly Father does know. He has promised that very soon this enemy death and all the things that bring our hearts pain will be a distant memory (Hosea 13:14). Until then, please find comfort in knowing that "He is close to the broken hearted and those crushed in spirit he saves" (Psalm 34:18). It is my hope that these passages, along with your loving memories of Mr. Herring comfort your hearts and give you a measure of peace during this most difficult time
Janelle Coker
Wednesday, April 18, 2018
My son was one of the special needs students that Mr. Herring transported for several years and Casey still talks about “Mr. Herring” and when he would go to his church meetings. He was very dedicated and took good care of Casey and the other kids on his bus. Sending prayers to his family.
Harold and Carolyn Chapman
Wednesday, April 18, 2018
Kathy and family,
I was so sorry to hear about Uncle Harrel's passing this week. Our tjoughts and prayers have been with you, Jeff and John and your extended family.
I very much appreciated reading the detailed obituary. Most of it I knew, but some of it was new to me. I love hearing about family history.
I will continue to pray for you.
Love,
Carolyn
Joyce Henry Talley
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
Kathy, I'm so sorry for your loss, but know you can take comfort that your husband's suffering is over. I'll remember you in my prayers as you adjust to your life alone.