Rickey was a man after God’s own heart who loved and led his family so well. He loved Jesus with all his heart and shared Him openly, led by the Holy Spirit, with everyone he encountered. He was truly the rock and backbone of his family. His wife, children and grandchildren will cherish all the beautiful memories they made with this amazing husband, Dad, and Papa. Fishing at Port O’Connor, camping, Port Aransas beach trips, tubing the Frio River, jet skiing at Coleto Creek, and Schlitterbahn trips. Texas Longhorn football with his boys was one of his favorite pastimes. Rickey took his beautiful bride on anniversary trips every year to celebrate their blessed union. So many happy memories were shared as they two stepped together throughout their marriage. Above all, he was so encouraging, kind, loving, generous and a man of great influence. He had a servant’s heart and passionately loved and served his church Faith Family and his Pastors for the past 34 years. He was a fervent prayer warrior whose prayers availed much and would bring you to tears! He reached out with the love of Jesus to neighbors, strangers, coworkers, and Citizens HealthPlex members. The number one thing he will be remembered for is his strong FAITH. Rick was truly a fisher of fish and a fisher of men. He has certainly heard “well done good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23.
He graduated from George West High School in 1967 where he excelled in all sports.
Rickey served his country in the United States Army for 4 years. He worked for Union Pacific Railroad for 40 years and retired in 2009.
Rickey is survived by his cherished wife, Marilyn Ray Hartman Herring of 52 wonderful years, she was truly the love of his life in word and in action. Daughters, Heather Patterson (Caleb) of Mission Valley, Holly Matula (Marcus) of Liberty Hill and his beloved grandchildren, Ava Bolton, Jackson Bolton, Bryn Mata, Brooke Patterson, Kamryn Matula, Cooper Matula, Charlie Matula and Asher Matula. “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” 3 John 1:4.
He is preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Erma Taylor, Betty McBay, Rutha Miller, Bessie Burleson, and Patsy Thompson, and brothers, E.W. Herring Jr. and Jimmy Herring.
Visitation for family and friends will be Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 10-11 am at Faith Family Church followed by a Celebration of Life to begin at 11 am.
Rickey will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at Memory Gardens Cemetery at a later date.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness...” 2 Timothy 4:7-8
Honorary pallbearers will be Marcus Matula, Caleb Patterson, Kyle Studer, Jackson Bolton, Cooper Matula, Danny Pena, John Brandes, and Wayne Pozzi.
Memorial donations may be made to Faith Family Church, House of Palms -India Missions, P.O Box 4528, Victoria, TX 77903.
The family asks that you wear white or bright colors to Rickey’s Celebration of LIFE on Saturday.
Words of comfort may be shared at www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com.
