O.J. “Buddy” Herring Jr. (Coach Herring) (80) of Santa Fe, Texas, passed away on February 11, 2025, at HCA Mainland Hospital.  He was born at home in League City, Texas, on August 2, 1944.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. O.J. Herring Sr. and Margaret Annie Stolz Herring, and Grandfather Carl Stolz.

“Buddy” is survived by his loving wife Susan Marie Manning Herring and sons, Ocie “Jim” Herring III(wife Katherine) and  Kevin Lane Herring(wife Meredith),  grandchildren: Paul Herring(wife Priscilla), Derek Tift(wife Jessica), Erin Smith;  great grandchildren: Isla and Everly; sister Carolyn Chafin of Sweeny; nieces Candy and Lynn and their families, and  many dear friends.

Buddy’s early years centered around life as a preacher’s kid. His parents, ordained of the Assemblies of God, planted churches ranging from Alvin to Genoa, Brazoria to League City. His mother taught him to sing, play the piano and later the organ. His father showed him storytelling, gentleness, and how to serve others. Both taught him to love and trust the Lord. As a child, he took delight in the big locomotives and would take train rides with his Grandpa Carl.  He joined the La Marque Band, where he met his high school sweetheart Susan. He played trombone and she played the drums. Buddy and Susan were married almost 59 years. He had a love for sports and often gathered the neighborhood teens for a game. In 1962 after he graduated from La Marque High School, Buddy studied history and received his teaching degree from Southern California College in Costa Mesa. He spent his nights and weekends singing in the Musical Ambassadors Choir and often sat at the organ with Andraé Crouch after they became friends in Pacoima. Shortly after beginning his teaching career at Hitchcock ISD, he approached the head football coach and asked if he could help in any way. Filming the games came easy to him and soon he was made an assistant coach and then head coach of the junior varsity Bulldogs. He taught for some 11 years, coached 13, completed his master’s degree and found his passion for counseling, ultimately retiring from the school district in 1997. Through those years, he also played organ, directed the choir, taught Sunday school, and so much more at Mainland Assembly of God in Hitchcock. Bro. Buddy took on the role of pastor when the church later transitioned to Word of Faith.  During this time, he met a young preacher with the Fire of God in his heart and on his head. Coincidence, we think not. The heart of Bro. Buddy aligned with the vision of Pastor Walter Hallam of Abundant Life and a friendship was born.  He began teaching in the school of ministry, filled various positions in the Christian school, became a part of the care team, and served in numerous other roles. Substitution, Identification and Union, Types of Christ, Righteousness, and ZOE were some of his favorite subjects to teach.  Bro. Buddy was known for starting with a song, leading into confessions, stories of mother, and so much more.  “What about all my misses? – WHAT MISSES?  “UGG – WHAT ROCK?!; and “Jesus in a Bunny suit” were just some of his memorable lessons.

Some called him “The Weeping Prophet”, many Bro. Buddy, others Coach Herring, Spiritual Father, Husband, Dad, Brother, Friend. Eighty years of life on this earth devoted to the “One he loved”. Whether guiding students in prayer before a game, driving the bus to FCA meetings, giving counsel with a distraught student, going to Grenada and Trinidad for missions work, compelling the lost with “The Apple Tree Song” or celebrating with “Packing Up”, praying for the sick and downtrodden, igniting the flame of service in countless ministry school students, or daily life as loving husband and caring father. This JESUS IN A BUDDY SUIT proclaimed the mercy and grace of our Lord with sincerity, compassion, and gentle wisdom.

We joyfully ask you to join us in celebration of a life fully lived and dedicated the Lord Jesus Christ. Services will be held at Abundant Life Christian Center, Monday February 24, 2025, at 11am. Visitation to start at 10am and reception afterward. Interment at Hayes Grace Memorial Park, Hitchcock.

In lieu of gifts or flowers, we encourage you to donate to your favorite charity. May we suggest Casa Angelina Orphanage in Guatemala c/o What Matters Ministries and Missions, a place close to our hearts.

Arrangements are entrusted with the Crowder Funeral Home in La Marque.