Ammie Julian Herring, Jr.

Ammie Julian Herring, Jr., 74 of Worcester, formerly of New Haven, CT., passed away peacefully on November 12, 2015 at Wingate Neuro Rehab Center surrounded by his family. Ammie is survived by two sons, Franklin Lanier of Atlanta, GA and Craig D. Herring of Seattle, WA; a daughter, Dawn N. Herring of New Haven, CT; three grandchildren, Elijah E. and Randall D. Wright, Jr. and Darius Lanier of Raleigh, NC; formerly married to Patricia Ann Hayden and Tressa Ann Feamster; two sisters-in-law; his special friends, James Bonds and Andrea Wheeler both of Worcester; many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by four brothers, Curtis, Philip Don, Larry and David Herring and two sisters, Evelyn H. Roberts and Linda H. Pickett. Ammie was born in Willard, North Carolina, a son of the late Ammie J. and Lula C. (Newkirk) Herring where he graduated from C. F Pope High School. He moved to New Haven, CT and later to Worcester. Ammie was the owner of several small businesses in the community including A & T Printing. He also worked for Digital Equipment for many years. Ammie was a devoted member of the International F & A.M. Masons. Brother Herring joined Wright Lodge No. 4 of New Haven Connecticut in April 1968. He became Grand Master of the State of Connecticut in 1970 and served in that position for three years. Afterward, he served as Grand Joint Council President. He relocated to Massachusetts and setup and chartered Sons of David Lodge No.2 of Worcester with the assistance of Brother Horace Green of Waterbury, Connecticut in 1977. Brother Herring served as the States' first Worshipful Master. Due to rapid growth of the Sons of David Lodge No. 2 under his leadership, Jonathan Lodge No. 5 was setup in Worcester in November of 1978. Tall Cedar Grand Lodge was established and chartered in June of 1979 and Brother Herring was elected and installed as the State of Massachusetts first Grand Master and served in that position until 1989. The first eight lodges were established through his leadership. He also assisted in the setting up of Tyree Lodge No. 1 of Providence, Rhode Island with Brother Leroy Nevius in the early 80's. Brother Herring served as National District Grand Master for the eastern jurisdiction from 1990-1996 and has served as President of the Masons Executive Board, President of the Grand Executive Board, Grand High Priest of Herrings Royal Arch Chapter, Eminent Commander of St. Paul Command and as Potentate of Mecca Shrine Temple from 1986 to present. Ammie was a devoted member of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Worcester serving as a trustee and treasurer. HE also was a faithful member of the churches brotherhood. Ammie loved the Patriots and led the masons groups that worked at Gillette Stadium. A period of calling hours will be held on Wednesday, November 18th from 10-11:00 a.m. in Emmanuel Baptist Church, 717 Main St., Worcester. His funeral service will immediately follow at 11:00 a.m. in church. Burial will be held at a later time in North Carolina. MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: Emmanuel Baptist Church.