Raymond Louis Herrick , 91, of Louisville, Kentucky passed away on May 13, 2018. He was a WWII US Navy Veteran and a member of Southeast Christian Church since 1964.
Raymond was born on September 19, 1926 in Bromley, Kentucky to the late Robert and Kathryn (Deremo) Herrick. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Jean Herrick; and sons-in-law, Jim Hillenbrand and Wilbur Thornton; siblings, Robert O. Herrick, Jr., Hardin Herrick, William Herrick, Betty Foster and Dorothy Herrick.
Raymond is survived by his children, Michael R. Herrick (Sherrie), Patricia Thornton, Linda Hillenbrand and Bruce Herrick; grandchildren, Joshua Clinton, Christopher Clinton, Michael Herrick, Jr. and Kristin Herrick; and one sister, Kathryn Herrick.
Ray was such a family man that he was rarely spoken of without reference to his "brood." His idea of a good day was one in which his wit outshone those of his mentored children. Yes, he took his family to church most Sundays and yes, he was an exemplary provider…but perhaps the most remarkable trait about Ray Herrick was his contrary approach to life. Laughter was his weapon AND gift of choice.
Ray was one of those rare golden-agers that survived an historic era sandwiched in The Great Depression and World War II. His stubbornness gleaned lessons of hard work, frugal saving, hope in the face of destruction, and responsibility. He was employed as Manager of Sales Accounts for General Electric in Louisville for over 30 years until his retirement. He was a member of Southeast Christian Church for over 50 years – since its inception in the basement of a house on Hikes Lane. His wife of almost 55 years, Jean, and four children benefitted from the lessons learned not from what he said to them, but how he lived his life. The same can be said for his quick and usually sarcastic wit.
Family milestones were often marked by Ray in the form of silly limericks or poems. Not only do his adult children share memorized prose, but his grandchildren – blood and adopted – continue to laugh at short remarks scribbled in birthday, wedding, graduation, or "just because" cards.
In honor of dad's talent, his children dedicate this silly poetry to the man who taught them laughter in the face of adversity.
Do not cry for my demise,
And do not dress me in disguise…
Planning is my strength, you know
There's purpose in the way I go.
See…suspenders weren't just cute on me…
A slingshot to mom I thought they'd be!
So, hold on tight as I sling by
On my way to Jesus and my honey pie.
Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions (235 Juneau Drive, Louisville, KY 40243), and visitation will resume at Southeast Christian Church on Thursday from 8:30 a.m. until 9:30 a.m., with a funeral service to honor the life of Raymond to follow at 10 a.m. at church. Burial will be held at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Central in Radcliff, KY, with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Honor Flight, Bluegrass Chapter or Alzheimer's Association.
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