James Harold Herrington

James Harold Herrington, 97, of Belton, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 11, 2020, at home. He was born on July 2, 1923, in Killeen, Texas, the son of Felix Harvey and Sarah Manurvia (Burriss) Herrington. He married Jeanie Fielder in Belton on September 11, 1947. They met picking cotton together and were married for 73 years. He was a member of the Salado Church of Christ and Jeanie is the oldest living member of the Salado Church of Christ.

Harold grew up before, during, and after the Great Depression in Bell County picking cotton, chopping cedar, and playing fast pitch softball. He and his siblings were known as excellent softball players. He grew up swimming and fishing in the Lampasas River south of Killeen, Texas.

Harold served in the 209th U.S. Army Military Police Co. from March 1945 till August 1946. He served in the occupation of Japan after World War II from October 1945 until July 1946. He received an Army of Occupation Ribbon in Japan and several other ribbons including the Victory Ribbon and the Oversees Service Bar. He was honorably discharged on August 23, 1946.

Harold was a carpenter and he worked 28 years in Civil Service at Fort Hood Military base in Killeen, Texas. He retired from Civil Service in 1981. Harold enjoyed the outdoors and he grew a large vegetable garden every year. He really enjoyed growing delicious tomatoes, watermelons and cantaloupes and sharing with family and friends.

Harold enjoyed bluegrass and country music. His favorite was bluegrass gospel. He sang songs until the end of life and could remember the words to most of his favorite songs. He was hard working, intelligent and innovative. He had a charm and a way about him that made people respect and love him. He was charitable, honest, and always tried to do the right thing. He loved his family, his children, his mother, brothers. and sisters and especially his wife Jeanie.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings totaling four brothers and five sisters.

Survivors include his wife, Jeanie Herrington, two sons, Jimmy Herrington and wife Pat of Temple, Robert (Robby) Herrington and wife Melissa of Belton, and a daughter, Barbara Bruner, and husband Mike of Temple; seven grandchildren, one great grandson and numerous relatives.  

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