Billy Joe Herring, of Pottsboro, Texas, passed away on October 21, 2022, at the age of 93. He was born September 6, 1929, in Paris, TX, to Jess Herring and Carrie Parson.
Bill grew up in Garrett’s Bluff, TX, a small town near the Red River, located in Lamar County. After completing high school there, Bill moved to San Francisco and joined the Merchant Marines. During the Korean War, Bill joined the United States Naval Reserves, training on the USS Lexington.
Bill was employed as a lineman for Southwestern Bell. During this time and after the completion of Lake Texoma, he became one of the early Striper Fishing Guides on the lake. He loved this part-time job and after retirement from Southwestern Bell, he became a full-time fishing guide for many people, who appreciated Lake Texoma for its fishing and recreation. He remained a Striper Fishing Guide for over 30 years of his life and frequently traveled to Mexico for fishing trips as well.
Bill (“Papa”) was an amazing grandfather. He loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren dearly and will forever be missed, remembered and loved by all of them.
Bill is survived by daughter, Kelley Herring; grandsons, Sandy and Dundy Walker and wife Julianne; granddaughter, as well as caregiver, Carrie Walker; great grandchildren, Dane Walker and Aubrey Arterbury; nephews Richard and Jerry Bailey, Denny Brackeen and wife Sue and their children, Monty and wife Susanne, and their children, Adelie and Reid; Ranice and husband Ronnie, and their son, Tanner; niece, Punkin Shaffer; and Bill’s life companion, Anne Gooch.
A private family memorial will be held in the spring.
