William Herold Obituary

Herold, William Weaver III "Billy"

passed peacefully in his sleep surrounded by his loving family on March 26, 2025, after a short fight with lymphoma.

Billy was born in Hartford, CT on December 27, 1955 to William "Bill" and Mary Herold. He was one of five children. When he was three years old his family moved to Lakeland, FL and then in 1965 they settled in Plant City, FL where he lived for almost 60 years. He was a graduate of PCHS Class of 1973. Starting in high school, Billy went to work to earn his own money and buy his own car. Cars became his passion. Before he jumped into the car business, he worked at the Holiday Inn working his way up to Maître D'. Customers could count on him to find them a table even when the restaurant was full.

For over 49 years, Billy enjoyed a long and successful career in the automobile industry, starting at Wilson Davis Ford as a car salesman. He then went to Bell Chevrolet and moved up from a salesman to GM. He eventually opened his own business, Billy Herold's Auto Sales, and expanded that into four locations. Billy was recognized by the Chamber of Commerce as Small Business Owner of the Year.

Billy was always active in his community and held many leadership roles. He became a member of Kiwanis. Billy was active in the Rotary Club, where he was President, Lt. Governor, and a Paul Harris Fellow. He emceed Dancing With The Locals and various auctions, including the Wild Game Cookout for 12 years. He was a member of the Elks Lodge for 42 years.

He was a giver and led the Rotary Christmas for an Angel program which included over 2,000 gifts per year for underprivileged children and meeting the Christmas wishes of the special needs classes at Marshall Middle School.

Family was very important to Billy. He is survived by his wife, Sherri Taylor Herold; sons, Tony Mike Herold (Lauren), Nicholas Owens Herold (Andrea); stepdaughter, Brittani Taylor (Billy); stepson, Joey Taylor (Lisa); and six grandchildren, Braxton William Herold, Jayden Cruz, Avery Cruz, Mia Herold, Alli Jo Taylor and Colton Taylor; sister, Toni Herold Yamin (Bert); brother, Arthur Harry Herold (Nina); sister, Betty Herold Peck; mother-in-law, Joanne Grace; brother-in-law, Norman Grace (Cindy), and sister-in-law, Terri Hughes (Rick); and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Susan Elizabeth Herold.

A private family graveside service will be held in early April. A public celebration of life will be held at Eastside Baptist Church of Plant City on Saturday, April 12. Visitation will be from 2-4 pm with the service beginning at 4 pm.

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be made to:Christmas for an Angel - Rotary Club of Plant City, PO BOX 5601, Plant City, FL 33563. Memo: Christmas for an Angel, please make check payable to Rotary Club of Plant City. Eastside Baptist Church - www.eastsidebcpc.org For online giving under Building Repair, memo: in Memory of Billy Herold. Expressions of condolences at

www.HopewellFuneral.com

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