William Mauney Herndon, Sr. ’53

William Mauney Herndon, Sr. ’53, 79, of Kings Mountain, N.C., died Oct. 7 at home in the company of his family. After making a courageous decision to forgo therapy for his cancer, he enjoyed a meaningful year with his family and friends. Born and raised in Kings Mountain, he was a 1953 graduate of Davidson. He then returned home to work for more than 50 years as a co-owner of J.E. Herndon Company with his brother, James E. Herndon, Jr. ’49, at the company founded by his father, James E. Herndon, Sr. He truly loved his company and its employees, and he was a fixture there almost until the day he died. He adored Kings Mountain and his family’s place in its heritage. He and his family traveled widely, visiting six continents. He was an avid antique automobile collector. He was a faithful Mason and enjoyed researching his family’s genealogy. He is survived by his devoted wife, Marilyn Herndon, 3740 Bryant Cole Way, Gastonia, NC 28056, and 10 children. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean Lynch Herndon, and is survived by their children, William Herndon, Jr. (Barbara “Bobbie”) and children, Alexander and Andrew; Virginia Herndon-Baker (Charles) and children, Garth and Charlotte; Robert Herndon; and David Herndon. He was also preceded in death by his wife, June Rhyne Herndon, and is survived by her children, Spears Mullen, Jr. (Alyce) and children, Catharine Palmer (Scott) and Peter; Julia Hart (Lewis) and son, Lewis III; Patrick Mullen (Deborah) and son, McKay. In addition to his surviving wife, he is survived by her children, Charles Hamilton IV (Amy) and children, Natalie and Ben; Wayne Hamilton (Leigh) and son, Nathan; Virginia Hamilton; and his brother, James E. Herndon, Jr. ’49.