Ronnie Herring

   Ronald William “Ronnie” Herring, 74, of 60 Byrum Road, Gates, NC, died Friday, December 22, 2023 in ECU Health Medical Center, Greenville.

   Ronnie was born on November 14, 1949, and was the son of the late John William and Margaret Virginia Parker Herring of Suffolk, VA. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Elaine Byrum Herring.

   Raised in the fellowship of Suffolk United Methodist Church, he was a graduate of Forest Glen High School in Suffolk and later attended Chowan College in Murfreesboro. He enlisted in the United States Army where he served in the 82nd Airborne Division during the Vietnam War era. Many will remember Ronnie and Elaine as they owned and operated Ahoskie Food Center for many years where their customers were their friends and their employees were their family. Ronnie was a protector, a selfless family man and a true gentleman. His work ethic was second to none. He loved watching sports and movies and fishing on the Chowan River with his family. He loved flowers and gardening, playing his guitar and singing in the Glenn Warren Band, and watching hummingbirds and butterflies on the farm. Most of all, Ronnie loved Elaine and we rejoice that they are now reunited in life eternal.

   Surviving are his children, Joanna Herring Brown (husband, Seth) of Winterville and John Michael Herring (wife, Tiffanie) of Grimesland; three granddaughters, Caitlin Ann and Madison Layne Brown, and Valerie Elaine Herring; his brother, James White (wife, Hazel) of Suffolk; sister and brother-in-law, Linda and Glenn Warren; brother-in-law, Danny Byrum (Cathy Riddick); and cherished nephews Adam Warren, Blake Byrum, and nieces, Denise White Overman and Kristen Byrum, along with many other former employees and friends.

   In accordance with his wishes, a private memorial service is planned for the spring on the farm. To share love, laughs, and memories with the family, please stop by the “old home site” on the farm where he and Elaine lived, on Thursday, December 28th, 2023 floating from 1-4 p.m. To visit with those more local to the Greenville area, the family invites you to gather at the home of Joanna and Seth Brown, 114 Duchess Drive, Winterville, on Friday, December 29th, from 4-7 p.m. for a floating reception to celebrate his life and visit with friends and family.

   In lieu of flowers and food, please consider a donation to Daughters for Dads, a local non-profit organization whose goal is to “help ease some of the burden cancer brings by providing an individualized approach for each family and their needs,” including financial assistance, gas and food gift cards, treats for caregivers and much more. To donate in honor of Ronnie Herring, visit: www.daughters4dads.org/donate.