Lawrence Randolph "Randy" Herring, age 78, affectionately known as "PawPaw" to most who knew him, passed from this life on January 10, 2026, in Biloxi, Mississippi, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, service, devotion to family, and quiet humor.
Randy was born on September 18, 1947, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. After graduating high school, he proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served his country for four years, including two years in Vietnam. His military service remained a lifelong source of pride.
A man known for his strong work ethic, Randy spent his life providing for his family. He began his career at International Paper in Moss Point, Mississippi, before dedicating the remainder of his working years to Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi, where he built both ships and a reputation for dependability and dedication.
In his younger years, Randy greatly enjoyed coaching his children in youth sports, sharing his love of competition and teamwork. He also loved fishing and was especially fond of irritating his wife, Ruby, a pastime he pursued with affection and humor throughout their 51 years of marriage.
Randy was preceded in death by his mother, Jean Harvey; his loving wife of 51 years, Ruby Herring; his infant daughter, Wendy Lynn Herring; his brother, Paul; and his sister, Brenda.
He is survived by his two children, Randall Herring (Jamie) and Melissa Bassham (Brett); and his five grandchildren, Connor Herring (Sarah Main), Baleigh Bassham, Bentlee Bassham, Raylynn Herring, and Hunter Herring, who knew him lovingly as PawPaw and were the light of his life and his greatest pride.
All services will be held graveside at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Serene Memorial Gardens, 12800 Highway 613, Moss Point, Mississippi 39562.
Randy will be remembered as a devoted father and grandfather, a proud veteran, a hardworking provider, and a man whose love was often expressed through steadfast support and good-natured teasing. His legacy lives on through the family he cherished and the values he instilled.