William J. Herbert

Mr. William Joseph ""Bill"" Herbert, Sr., age 85, of Gulfport, MS, passed away Sunday, December 13, 2015 in Biloxi, MS, after a brief illness. He was born October 11, 1930, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Arthur J. Herbert, Sr. and Katherine Sutherland Herbert.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Catherine Breaux Herbert, eight children, William J. Herbert, Jr. (Brigitte), Arthur J. Herbert, III (Gail), Bernie Herbert (Jennifer), Dorinda A. Sykes (Steve), Judy C. Bentz (Donny), Elizabeth T. East (Glen), Patricia A. Freeman (Greg), and Gregory G. Herbert.
He is survived by 15 grandchildren, William Herbert, III, Arthur Herbert, IV, Jason Herbert, Tiffany Conner (Daniel), Darren Herbert (Lindsey), Douglas Sykes (Danielle),Wesley Sykes, Stephen Fletcher (Jamie), Colleen Talik (Jared), Sarah Williams (Wesley), Geoffrey East, Brandy Freeman, Laura Freeman, Joseph Herbert, and Kelly Green (Trevor).
He is also survived by eight great-grandchildren, Nolan Herbert, Cecelia Herbert, Brady Sykes, Jackson Sykes, Skylar Lambert, Trinity Lambert, Caden Lambert, and Ava Fletcher.
He was preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Katherine Herbert, Sr., his brother Arthur J. Herbert, Jr. and his sister Delores Casey.
Bill was a faithful member of St. James Catholic Church since moving to Gulfport in 1963. He served in many capacities for St. James Parish during his 52 years in the parish. He was a very active member of the Mississippi City Lions Club for over 50 years in which he held various positions. Bill retired after 42 years working for Bell South. He proudly served 22 years in the United States Marine Corps Reserve and retired as a First Sergent.
Bill was an outstanding family man, the pillar of strength. Next to God, he put his family above everything. He was a man who never sought personal fame or attention. He always worked quietly behind the scenes. Pawpaw will forever be an inspiration in our lives.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 16, 2015 from 10 am - 11 am at St. James Catholic Church in Gulfport. A Mass of Christian will be celebrated at 11 am. Interment will be at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens in Gulfport.
The family thanks the doctors, nurses, and staff at Memorial Hospital, Gentiva Hospice, and the VA Hospice for the personal and professional care that was provided to dad.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider making a contribution to the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society, 5301 CBC Snead Street, Naval Construction Battalion Center, Gulfport, MS 39501 or the Lions Club Sight Foundation, 3427 N. 32nd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85018.
The RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, Gulfport, is serving the family and an online guestbook may be signed at www.riemannfamily.com