Roger Thomas Herrell
Virginia Beach – Roger Thomas Herrell, 64, died suddenly on Sunday October 16, 2011. He was born on February 6, 1947 to the late Everett H. Herrell and the late Margaret C. McManus Herrell. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves from 1966-72. He was the GCCS Database Administrator for the U.S. Joint Forces Command until his retirement in 2002 after 33 years of service for the federal government. He was commended for being a complete team player with his expertise, tireless planning, and attention to every detail. He was cited for his “can do spirit” and innovative solutions. His lifelong love of woodworking began early with winning numerous trophies in soap box derby races. He also began playing baseball at an early age and was a pitcher for Norview High School. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved the woods and fishing at the Outer Banks with his sons and friends, and enjoyed hunting for many years. He was a whiz with electronics and gadgets. A quiet man with twinkling eyes and a wry sense of humor, Roger was a solid and loving man to family and friends. He touched a lot of lives and was loved by all who knew him. He was the glue that held the extended family together. He is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Nancy; sons, Todd Herrell and wife Angel, Shane Herrell and wife Robin, and Kevin Herrell; and two stepsons, Russ Spear and partner Jake Garcia, and Paul Davis; sisters, Patricia Sappe and husband Jim Onos, and Renee Herrell and husband Ed Piper; sister-in-law, Paulette Peterson and husband David; four grandsons, Zackery, Payton, Christopher, and Ayden and one granddaughter, Gabrielle; two nephews, Steve Sappe and Chris Sappe, two nieces, Debbi Hubley and Donna Hrozencik; and special cousins, Pat Cox, and Maureen Bennett and husband Ralph.
A viewing will be held on Thursday October 20 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. followed by services at 5:00 in the Southside Chapel of the Altmeyer Funeral Home at 5792 Greenwich Rd., Virginia Beach.
Past Services
Visitation
Thursday October 20, 2011
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Altmeyer Funeral Home -Southside Chapel
5792 Greenwich Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
757-422-4000 | Directions
5792 Greenwich Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
757-422-4000 | Directions
Additional Information:
A Funeral Service will commence at 5 p.m. in the chapel at the Altmeyer Funeral Home.
Service
Thursday October 20, 2011
5:00 pm
Additional Information:
Rev. Edward Piper officiating.
Service
Additional Information:
Rev. Edward Piper officiating.
Visitation
Altmeyer Funeral Home -Southside Chapel
5792 Greenwich Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
757-422-4000 | Directions
5792 Greenwich Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
757-422-4000 | Directions
Additional Information:
A Funeral Service will commence at 5 p.m. in the chapel at the Altmeyer Funeral Home.
Dear Nancy & family,
Our hearts go out to you and your family. Roger will be greatly missed. We will always remember the laughs we all had on the back patio at our infamous barbecues. He was a wonderful person to know!!
Jack & Fran
Dear Nancy,
One of our special highlights in the summer months has been getting together with you, Roger, Paulette and David. You and Roger offered us such wonderful hospitality at the beautiful home you made together. We have admired the skills that Roger had in creating all kinds of outstanding things, from furniture to waterfalls! We will remember the laughter and good times. We are thankful to have known Roger.
Dear Nancy,
Ray & I had only met you & Roger once @ Buddy & Vickie’s, but we knew immediately what a wonderful couple you were. We send our deepest sympathy & we are wishing you peace, courage & strength as you face one day at a time.
Ray & Loretta Hieronimus
Dear Nancy, I was shocked at the news of Rogers’ passing. Sue and I are very sorry for the loss of Roger. Please except our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Roger was a nice guy. He always had something nice to say to me and Sue. I only wish we had spent more time together after our retirements. I will forever remember the good times we shared at the dinners and other functions we attended with you and Roger. At this writing Sue is across the country on business and we regret not being able to attend the services. Again, we are deeply saddened. Your friends always, Dave and Sue Tysor
Dear Nancy, Roger was my “go to” man for help with technical problems and questions about making just about anything work. Most important, he made me laugh at myself and brightened my life for so many years. I will miss him. You and your family and friends are in my prayers. Love, Em
How sorry we are to hear of Rogers passing.Our sympathies and prayers go to Nancy and her family.
with love from cousin David and family
I love you Uncle Roger. I will miss you very much.
Love,
Debbi Niece
I was so sorry to hear about your family’s loss. Paulette and David always spoke highly of Roger. I know you all will miss him terribly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love Kim and Timothy
I will miss you so much Roger. I cry when I look at the picture I have of us together. You will truly be missed. Nancy and Renee I cannot imagine what you are going through. We love you all.
In honor of sister Renee, sending prayers for your loss and hope for celebration of a lifetime of memories to continue to heal your hearts, bj
My prayers are with the Herrell family! I worked with Roger for years, in support of our Nation’s defense – He is a true Patriot and a Great Man!! He will be truly missed! God bless you all – Jon Levi, Fredericksburg, Virginia – DISA/Joint Staff Support Center
Nancy
We have so many fond memories of happy times and laughter. He was always such a gracious host and loved to make others smile.
John and “Dorie”
Nancy — The service for Roger was a wonderful tribute to a man we all admired and liked. It is impossible to think about Roger without smiling … few people do that. Please know we are here for support as you take each day forward. God Bless
Nancy & Family:
I am so sorry for the loss of the quiet and steady foundation of your lives. Roger was such a stable presence in every situation, and could be counted on to be the calm amid the storm. I will remember him for this patience, and dry wit. He could always make me laugh with his rueful observations about the absurdity of life at JFCOM. Roger was a precious soul, and the world will be a darker place without him, but I am a better person for having known him. He was a model husband, father, and grandfather, and his love for all of you came through in every conversation I ever had with him. My heartfelt prayers and sympathies are with all of you, as you go through this difficult and painful time.
Nancy and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Roger will be greatly missed.
Doreen and Jerry
Nancy and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are deeply sorry for your loss.
Love, Shelly, Faye, and family
Nancy and Family,
We were so sorry to hear about the passing of Roger. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Nancy and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. Roger was such a gentleman. I pray for comfort and for the peace of understanding for each of you.
Nancy and family, Roger was a good man and father. He had many talents and was not afraid of hard work both at home and at the office. This is evident by his many accomplishments. Roger enjoyed life to its fullest and always enjoyed telling a good story. He was a good friend. Roger, I hope our paths cross again someday. Nancy our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Russ and Carol
Nancy and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Roger will be deeply missed. You are in my prayers.
Nancy,
We were shocked and saddened when we received the news of Roger’s passing. Please know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Lean on your friends and family for support during this most difficult time. We are sorry for your loss.
Nancy,
We are so sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of working with Roger and you.I still remember when you met! May God take care of you. You are in my prayers.
Nancy,
We’re so sorry to hear of Roger’s passing. He’s was always my favorite DBA back at LOSF, and a kind, funny man. I still have some of the wood nicknacs that he made for the holidays. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Thanks for taking the time to let us know. Love, Sharon & Paul Slominski
Nancy, We are so sorry to hear of Roger’s passing. We know how much he loved his family you, the children and grandchildren and how much time you both spent here in the mountains at your beautiful home and with Paulette and David and the fun you all had. Our prayers are with each of you in this very sad and trying time.
Nancy, I know Roger was the love of your life and oh, what a wonderful life you had together. My heart aches for you and your family and my thoughts and prayers have been with you constantly. I still can’t believe it. Much love to you all.
Nancy, my heart is so heavy for you and your family. Roger was such a wonderful husband, father, friend. and co-worker. As others have mentioned, I can still see that twinkle in his eye. I can only tell you that the Lord, your family, friends and wonderful memories will help comfort you each day. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Nancy, Russ, Todd
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all as we are greatly saddened to hear of Rogers passing. Please except our deepest sympathies.
Sincerely,
The Cason Family
Nancy, Todd, Shane and Kevin,
So sorry for your loss my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Love,
Susan Mutter Marasco
Nancy, we loved Roger, and will miss him greatly. We love you, too, and our prayers are with you.
Nancy, you and Roger were like parents to me there at my first duty station so far from home. I remember holding an umbrella for Roger while he changed my flat tire in the pouring rain in the parking lot after work. I remember his gentle teasing with a twinkle in his eye. The world is definitely a better place because of Roger. I am so truly sorry for your loss and will be praying for you and your dear family.
Nancy:
I’m so sorry about Roger’s passing. I have fond memories of working with Roger and you and could always count on him for sage advice and support. You are all in our prayers.
Sincerely,
Bill
No words can share how we feel in our hearts and no one knows the pain you feel, but we have a God that can, and even though it’s hard to understand there is a purpose for all things. Love, Jr. & Kay
Our lives were truly blessed to have known Roger. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as were share your grief and sorrow.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Jorge& Ana Ruiz lot#3
Renee & family – We are holding you so close to our hearts. Sending love and prayers for peace and comfort during these difficult days. May your wonderful memories sustain you always.
*Sarah
Renee and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Michelle
Renee and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Roger’s passing will no doubt leave a hole in your lives, but his spirit will always be with you even if his physical presence is not. May you all find comfort in your many memories of time with him.
Renee and family,
During this time, I hope you find a peaceful place surrounded by the love from your family, friends, and memories of Roger that provides you comfort while your spirit mends.
Renee and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. May you find peace in the memories of your time with Roger. Love, Laura
Renee,
Thinking of you and yours during this difficult time. May you find peace in your memories of your time together. Sending prayers and love your direction!
Christine Harriger
Renee,
A loss like this is beyond words. My heart aches for you, for Roger’s children and grandchildren, certainly for Nancy…and for Roger’s many friends. It’s so hard to even take in that the wonderful man I knew so many years ago, and that you describe so sweetly in his obituary is gone. “We’re never more than a thought apart…those remembered live in the heart.” I close my eyes and memories of Rober’s quiet presence, laughing eyes, and humor are there. His dying so suddenly and unexpectedly–meant no one got to say good-bye. You had no chance to say good-bye to “your big brother”. In some ways that makes what would be a difficult loss at any time, even harder. I know all the family is gathered to grieve, to remember, to support each other, and to share memories. Together you will get through these first days. The love Roger had for each of you, and the love each of you had for him will draw you close, bring comfort, and carry you through. When you gather to pay tribute to Roger’s life, the memorial service will be woven from all your shared memories and love–the same things that bound you to Roger in life, and will forever bind your hearts beautifully with his, long after the service ends.
Renee, Ed, Nancy and Family,I know this is a tough time for all of you. I hope you can draw strength and peace from each other. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Roger –
You will be sorely missed. Our hearts go out to yours in this time of grief and remembrance. God bless.
Jim & Leslie Pasch
Roger is the best friend ever.
Roger is the best man ever.
Roger is the best fisherman ever.
Roger is the best listener ever.Amen
Roger is the best trusted friend ever.
ALL of US will miss Roger FOREVER.
Roger & David H.My best fish’n pals
Roger was a wonderful person and he will be missed. He always had a smile on his face and a story to tell. Working with him was a pleasure.
Roger was an outstanding man and a pleasure to know and work with. He has left us too soon. My heartfelt condolences to his family.
Roger was one of the sweetest men that I have ever met. He was full of humor, and, my goodness, how he could tell a joke….yes, with sound effects. I just can’t believe that I won’t see those twinkling eyes and that grey mustache any more. Do some wood working up there,Roger and we’ll see you again some day.
Roger’s way of telling stories often included sound effects making the stories fun to hear. I had shared many hours working with Roger on home computers and networks. Roger could always be counted on to lend a hand when needed. Great guy and a wonderful friend. He will truly be missed.
Russ thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this times of sadness
Shane,
What a wonderful obituary. Your dad sounds like he was a great man.
Sounds like he was bright, and a “go getter” hard worker. Sounds kind of like you, huh smile? Jimmy and I are sorry for your family’s loss. May peace be with you all during this time.