Jackson, Miss. – It is with profound sadness that Reformed Theological Seminary announces the passing of Rev. Wayne Herring, who was welcomed into his Savior’s presence on March 11, 2025. Rev. Herring was a cherished friend of RTS and a steadfast servant of Christ’s church for more than five decades.
A native of Brandon, Mississippi, Rev. Herring graduated from Mississippi State University before continuing his education at Reformed Theological Seminary. Ordained to the ministry in 1971, he faithfully served as pastor to numerous congregations throughout the Southeast, including Faith Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, Alabama; Woodland Presbyterian Church in Hattiesburg, Mississippi; Faith Presbyterian Church in Brookhaven, Mississippi; Independent Presbyterian Church in Memphis, Tennessee; and Covenant Presbyterian Church in Nashville, Tennessee.
Rev. Herring’s ministry extended beyond the pulpit. He served as Professor of Practical Theology at RTS for four years, where his wisdom and experience profoundly shaped a generation of pastors. As one of the founding leaders of Reformed Youth Ministries (RYM), he demonstrated his heart for discipling young people. Most recently, Rev. Herring served as Director of Church Relations for the Administrative Committee of the Presbyterian Church in America since 2008.
“Wayne Herring was part of a generation of RTS graduates who fanned the flames of the Reformed faith in their time,” said Dr. Ligon Duncan, Chancellor and CEO of Reformed Theological Seminary. “His decades of faithful ministry, commitment to Reformed theology, and genuine love for the church have left an indelible mark on RTS, the PCA, numerous congregations, and on countless lives. We have lost a true friend and partner in ministry, but we rejoice that he is now in the presence of the Savior he loved and served so well.”
Rev. Herring leaves behind a loving family who shared in his ministry and supported his calling. His legacy lives on through them, as they too have demonstrated the same commitment to Christ and His church that defined Rev. Herring’s life. The entire RTS community extends our deepest condolences to the Herring family during this time of loss, even as we celebrate the hope we share in Christ’s resurrection.
Memorial Services
Friends and colleagues are invited to honor Rev. Herring’s life and ministry at the following services:
- Visitation will be held at First Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 in Jackson, MS at 9:30 a.m. with a memorial service following at 11 a.m.
- A graveside service will be held Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Williamson Memorial Funeral Home in Franklin, TN.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the J.C. Herring Endowment Fund at the PCA Foundation (www.pcafoundation.com).
May we all aspire to the faithful service that characterized Rev. Wayne Herring’s life as we remember his impact and honor his memory.