Tom Herring

Birth date: Jul 17, 1958 Death date: Aug 13, 2023

Joseph Thomas Herring. Jr. (Tom) passed away peacefully on August 13, 2023 following a brief illness. Tom was born July 17, 1958 to parents Joe and Martha Herring of Whigham, GA who preceded him in death. He is survived by his wif Read Obituary

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Steve Moore Watkins

119w ago

Tom and I met during inventory at Record Bar in the Tallahassee Mall in 1981. We became music brothers. He began visiting Vinyl Fever where I worked there in the early 80's. Tom had a special ability to be present when life had stressful challenges. Once, while living at St. Pete beach while in law school, I was downstairs washing my car and I looked up to see Tom walking by on the beach. I joined him. He was having an especially difficult time in a relationship at the time. Another time, I was having issues in a relationship and needed space. So I went to the CD store in Tampa. I looked up from the bins, and there Tom was to provide timely counsel. He was always there when I needed his counsel. What a good man and wonderful being. We shared many Wanee festival weekends and concerts and he was always a joy to be with. I loved his laugh even when he it was at my expense he having called into question some action or attitude of mine. He was truly centered in joy and loved sharing this music in his life. The day before he passed, I had a dream that I was visiting a friend whose wife was having surgery at the hospital. After visiting with the friend, I knew I needed to go see Tom in the hospital but not know where to find him. But who showed up to show me the way? Tom himself, and it did not seem strange at all that he had been there to guide me to his hospital room. I felt Tom's presence strongly that next day and when I went to see King Gizzard and the Wizard Lizard a few days later in Cologne, I felt Tom with me. I will miss Tom's physical presence but know that he lives on in the heart's of those who loved him most. Blessings to those who were close to Tom in this life.

Bill Dahlem

119w ago

I knew Tom for over 20 years here in Tallahassee and I can surely say that no finer gentleman have I ever met. Though this may seem hard to believe, we met at a CD store. No, not legendary Vinyl Fever, but a small place that sold mostly used. Around noon we would see each other in the store and noted that we were frequent visitors. The clincher came when he bought a Patti Smith CD that I had special ordered. He was extremely apologetic, offered (illegal) copies of cool sh*t he had, and we were friends ever since. We also traveled to a few shows together, mainly to Atlanta. But the finest trip was to Nashville and the Legendary (and incredibly uncomfortable) Ryman Aud for a recreated Sweetheart of the Rodeo. Great times both at the shows and the trips to and fro. Tom will be missed by me and so many others. Sympathies to Family and friends. Bill Dahlem

Mark Gerszewski

119w ago

I worked with Tom at different times over the years. Having lunch with Tom when I was in Tallahassee was always a treat. He was just a special man. Highly intelligent without really trying to show that. His kindness and good nature just warmed us all. I will always carry warm memories of Tom.

Lee Wolfson

119w ago

Allow me to reiterate how loved Tom was by the whole Vinyl Fever family. I moved to Tallahassee in 1984 and Tom was among the first people I met. He was friends with everyone I worked with at the store and I believe you could say that was the case for anyone who worked there the next 30 years! And Tom got to know people - friendships were often grounded in music, but went beyond. I only saw him sporadically after moving from Tallahassee, but we always picked right up where we left off, as if we'd just seen each other at the store... I'm sure to not be the only person to feel lucky to have known him. R.I.P. and deep condolences to Family and Loved Ones. - Lee Wolfson

Mike Coleman

119w ago

Tom was a heck of guy. I first met Tom in the late 80's not long after starting work at Vinyl Fever in Tallahassee. We immediately hit it off due to our shared obsession with music. We developed a really great rapport in the store, but also enjoyed a friendship outside of the confines of that environment. We maintained that for all the years after I left the store in 2002. We would occasionally meet up for lunch or I'd run into him at a show or the grocery store. We'd always have a great conversation and have some great laughs. He was one of the easiest to talk to, sweetest people you'd ever want to know. I know he is missed by so many included many of the folks that remember him from years of working at VF. My deepest condolences to his friends and family.

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