Ralph Wayne Herbert, Sr.

Ralph Wayne Herbert, 97, of Jackson, MS passed away on November 30, 2020. He was born on January 8, 1923, in Memphis, TN, to Julius and Dovie Herbert. He attended Memphis public schools and served in the US Navy from 1943 through 1946. He graduated from the University of Memphis (formerly Memphis State University) with a bachelor’s degree in business and a law degree in 1947. He was married to Becky Sapp of Memphis until her passing in 2003. He remarried in 2004 to Gerry Stubbs of Jackson.

Wayne and Becky moved to Jackson in 1955 to work for AllState Insurance Company. When faced with a transfer with Allstate, they realized how much they loved living in Jackson. He was given the opportunity to start Underwood Insurance Agency and worked there for 33 years. During his career, he was active in the National Association of Mutual Insurance Agents and served as National President in 1972. He also taught insurance courses at Mississippi College. In 1988, he was elected to the Hinds County Justice Court. He served as a judge for 16 years, retiring in 2004. During that time he attended the National Judicial College and was honored to be selected to the Standing Committee on Judicial Ethics. He was a member of the North Jackson Kiwanis Club and one of his most satisfying accomplishments was working with Dr. Francis Morrison of UMMC to start the Mississippi Regional Blood Center (now Mississippi Blood Services). He was a lifelong member of Woodland Hills Baptist Church, serving as a deacon for more than 40 years.

For many years, Wayne enjoyed his Saturday morning golf games with three close friends at Colonial Country Club. He also enjoyed cars and watching the New Orleans Saints football games.

He is survived by his daughter Julie Herbert Sisk (Kevin) of Grapevine, TX, and son, Wayne Herbert, Jr. (Sandra) of Bainbridge Island, WA; stepson James H. Stubbs (Jesse) of Fort Myers, Florida; and four grandchildren, Connor and Grant Sisk and Ellen and Andrew Herbert. Preceding him in death were wives Becky Herbert and Gerry Stubbs Herbert; sister Joyce Crockett of Memphis; and son Chris Herbert of Jackson.

A private family service will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Mississippi Blood Services, 115 Tree Street, Flowood, MS, 39232.