William Aubrey Scott Herold

Whether you knew him as Billy or Will, as a relative, friend or coworker, you knew that Will was caring and loyal, and committed to his family. Besides his family, he loved watching all kinds of sports, gourmet cooking, and all things Italian. William Aubrey Scott Herold, 43, of Houston, Texas died on January 7, 2023.

William was born in Pasadena, Texas in 1980 to Lana Furlow Listi (formerly Herold) and William Herold. He was born two and half months early – which was typical Billy – always in a hurry! Billy was rambunctious, outspoken and stubborn. But this wild child was also a loyal friend, who stayed in touch with high school and college friends for over 20 years. He was close with his brothers Rett and Beaux Thibodeaux and his sister Chelsea Listi. He graduated from La Porte High School where he played soccer and ran cross country before obtaining a bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Finance from UT San Antonio.

Professionally, Will held positions with progressively greater responsibility and leadership in the benefits sales administration and insurance field. Among others, he worked for Memorial Hermann, Aon, The King Ranch, and EPIC, and also worked as a sales consultant in recent years. His easy-going style, genuine personality and sincere interest in helping people served him well. He was respected and held in high regard in the business community.

Will’s mother’s father James Furlow, now deceased, had a tremendous impact on Will because he put him to work! Young Will gained his strong work ethic from baling hay, running the tractor and such, and he lived with or close by his Pop for many years.

Will’s closest friend was undoubtedly his grandmother Adele Herold. They travelled together in Europe and spent holidays together, but he also talked on the phone with his Grandma daily. Adele was Will’s pal and confidante and Will was very supportive and protective of her, often hovering over this independent woman until she had to say “enough!” They laughed a lot and cried sometimes too.

Will met his wife Ruth Britto-Herold at Memorial Herman where they both worked. They shared the same love language of words of affirmation and so wrote many love letters to each other. Will surprised Ruth often with a thoughtful, short note or a card, and Ruth reciprocated. When they lived in the Galleria area, they would walk their rescue dog Bella and have deep conversations.

Early in their relationship, the two of them took a year sabbatical from work and went to Italy to explore being a couple while they explored the country. They talked about their life, careers and goals for the future. Will and Ruth had a beautiful wedding in Florence, Italy in 2011.

Will had an eye for fashion and would buy Ruth beautiful shoes and unique jewelry with every piece carrying a special meaning. On her 50th birthday, he proposed to Ruth again, presenting her with a ring he spent months designing and had custom-made.

Will and Ruth’s children meant the world to Will. Alexis “Lexi” and Luca, who are now first graders, will miss Daddy coming to every school event, birthday party or soccer game. Will understood each of his twins’ beautiful strengths and helped them to grow and have direction. Lexi was Daddy’s girl and they snuggled and giggled and he let her get away with mischief while helping her to build a strong sense of self and develop her natural athleticism. Will admired Luca’s budding intellect, attention to details, Lego and game skills, and self-direction, and wanted him to be a strong and loving man. Daddy Will was active in organizing the twins’ sports activities and recently was involved in Luca’s Cub Scout troop. Luca was impressed that his dad was “The Grubmaster,” cooking for 100 people at this fall’s campout. Will loved the kids from the bottom of his heart, and knew how special each of them are. Sundays were for cuddling, and the family all piled into one bed, Bella included, until Will got up and made a big pancake breakfast.

Will expressed his love for friends and family by cooking for them. Friends and neighbors looked forward to Will’s wonderful entertaining, enjoying delicious meals in the comfort of Ruth and Will’s home. Will was involved in their neighborhood community and led many Social Committee activities.

Will was also a sports guy. He loved to watch every kind of sport on TV, always rooting the loudest for the UT Longhorns, and Italian soccer was always on in the house. When his son Luca became interested in soccer, they watched soccer together.

In his personal and professional life, Will asked people how they were doing or how it was going. He truly cared about their answer and he knew how to make people feel special.

Will Herold had many wonderful qualities, but if his loved ones could only choose one, it would be Will’s loyalty that will shine on in their hearts forever.

Will was preceded in death by paternal grandfather William Herold Sr., maternal grandparents Joan and James Furlow, father in law Carmen Britto and his uncle Jim Herold.

Will leaves behind beloved wife Ruth Britto-Herold, his mother Lana Listi and husband Michael Listi of Zavalla, Texas and father William Herold Jr and wife Shell Herold of Houston; siblings Rett Thibodeaux, Beaux Thibodeaux and Chelsea Listi. He is also survived by aunts and uncles Sue Furlow Sabin and Harold Sabin, Joe and Irene Furlow, David and Janet Furlow, Bonnie and Trisha Listi. Will is also survived by mother in law Mary Helen Britto and grandmother Adele Herold who is “Nunnie” to Luca and Lexi.

A funeral will be held at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Houston Texas on Friday, January 12th at 10:30 a.m., with a reception to follow in the church hall.

Donations to the charity of your choice would be appreciated.