Rev. Eckel Herron

Rev. Eckel Herron, born January 23, 1928, passed away peacefully at home after a long, courageous bout with cancer. He was preceded in death by his wife of over 50 years, Elsie McDavid Herron; his parents, Hiram Herron and Sara Jane “Leestie” Herron of Eidson, TN; a brother, Carl Herron (at the age of four), and a sister, Bertha Herron Wilson. Rev. Herron is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Kenneth Ray Herron and Patsy Taylor Herron; daughter, Carolyn Herron Depew; two granddaughters, Kenita Herron Light and husband, Steve Light; Jennifer Depew Hill and husband, Josh Hill; grandson, Kevin Allen Herron; and great-grandson, Trevor Ray Light; sister and brother-in-law, Leona Herron Hurd and husband, Wiley “Ike” Hurd of Robinette Valley; a brother, Quentin Herron and wife, Sally, of Morristown, TN. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews, numerous preachers and deacons who were good friends, and several hunting buddies.

Rev. Herron was ordained at Hilton Freewill Baptist Church (now Heritage Baptist) on September 7, 1963. Rev. Herron was instrumental in helping build the main chapel and Sunday School rooms by physical labor and mortgaging his house as collateral. Rev. Herron is the former pastor of New Buffalo Freewill Baptist Church (now New Buffalo Independent Baptist Church), Clinchport Freewill Baptist Church, Zion Freewill Baptist Church, and Natural Tunnel Freewill Baptist Church. Rev. Herron worked diligently at each church to help it grow in attendance, while he dedicated numerous hours ministering to the parishioners, visiting the sick at home and in the hospital, and performing manual labor for whatever project a church might need

Rev. Herron, as a Freewill Baptist minister, served on the Ordaining Council, was Moderator of Quarterly and Yearly meetings, and Moderator of the State Freewill Baptist Association meeting. Rev. Herron was a charter board member of the Harvest Freewill Baptist Home for Children. Rev. Herron enjoyed doing the work of a pastor until his health declined and he was unable to continue. He continued to preach the gospel as an evangelist after he was no longer able to pastor. He longed for the time when he would again see his wife, Elsie, whom he missed very much. He often acknowledged the loving support Elsie gave him during his ministry. They are together in peace at last and will receive the rewards God promised them and to all who accept Christ as their Savior.

Rev. Herron was a veteran of the Korean War, stationed at Fort Lee, Virginia (“L” Company, Quartermaster), where he served as squad leader. He received an Honorable Discharge, of which he was very proud. He received a Weapons Qualification Badge, receiving the Expert badge for marksmanship with 30-06 carbine.

Rev. Herron was also an avid hunter and enjoyed the many nights he spent with various friends with whom he hunted. In whatever activity Rev. Herron participated, he always conducted himself as a Christian. Whether he was eating at a restaurant, at home, in a hunting camp, or even when he thought he was alone at home, he always remembered to give thanks to the Lord before he ate.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Nottingham United Methodist Church for all they have done for Rev. Herron and for the family. We would also like to thank Dr Bryan Arnette, Dr Cooperstein, and the staff of Indian Path Hospital for the care they gave Rev. Herron.

Scripture Reading: Kevin Herron, grandson

Ministers: Rev. Bill Porter, Rev. Daryle Hurd, and Rev. Lee Knowles

Pallbearers: Kevin Herron, Steve Light, Trevor Light, Jerry Herron, Stan Herron, Everette McConnell, Mack Baker, Larry Bowen, and Jim Kelly

Honorary Pallbearers: Larry Falin, Eugene Kilbourne, Eddie Wilson, Bill McDavid, Raymond Hammonds, Josh Hill, Michael Hurd, Mescal Baker, Roger Baker, Lloyd Porter, Herb Kyllnon, Craig Stephenson, and Lewis Saffriet

Singers will be Tim, Angie, Hannah, and Seth Rhoton

Visitation will be Friday from 5-8pm in the Gene Falin Memorial Chapel at Gate City Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday at 1pm with a military graveside service following at Holston View Cemetery.