Andrew William Herrold

Major ANDREW WILLIAM HERROLD (USAF, Ret.) left this world for the next Friday, surrounded by loved ones at the Baptist Parkway Health Center. Andrew ("Bill")'s 91-year run came to an end peacefully after a recent, rapid decline in health. Those who knew him expected him to keep fighting with his typical stubborn Irish resolve, but in the end he went quickly. Andrew was born in New York City on July 17, 1919. His mother, Margaret (nee Hackett), ran a tight ship in a household of seven children, which his father, William, supported as a chauffeur. They instilled in him a love of family, music, and good times that remained hallmarks of his life. Growing up in the immigrant neighborhoods, Andrew was an altar boy, but also tough and ready for a scrap, especially in defense of his brothers and sisters. When World War II raged, Andrew joined up and fought with distinction in North Africa and Italy. After the war, he used the GI Bill to go back to school for medical training and earned his RN at Adelphi University. In addition to the education that served him well throughout his career, Andrew met Helen Anna Lettiere at nursing school. His marriage to Helen would last the rest of his life and produce five fine children. After earning his degree, Bill was recruited into the newly created Air Force as an officer. He and Helen grew a family while living in Florida, Japan, Ohio and Germany. Andrew's military career came to a premature end when a back injury he sustained diving into a foxhole in Italy worsened, requiring major surgery in Texas. He sent his family ahead to Arkansas and while the doctors didn't expect him to ever walk upright again, he proved tougher than expected and had a long and bountiful retirement, first in Cabot and then in Little Rock. Retiring as a gentleman farmer in Arkansas did not come easy to the Irish scrapper from New York, but Andrew thrived in his adopted state – growing beans and watermelons, driving around town in his Ford pickup, raising chickens and a couple hogs he named Chantilly and Chanel. He loved to keep his acres cleared, and he became a master of the bush hog and the burning barrel. In his 70's, Andrew decided to honor his mother and revert to his first given name, after spending most of his life as his father called him, Bill. Whether they called him Major Herrold, Bill, Andrew, Dad or Grandpa, those close to him will remember a great man who would sacrifice anything for his family, who made sure his children all went to college, and who taught them to be strong and not back away from a fight – even with someone bigger than yourself (because most of the guys were). Bill loved the old Irish songs, telling war stories, traveling with his family, a nice glass of wine or a hot cup of coffee. In addition to his loving wife, Helen, Bill leaves behind his children – Dr. Jeffrey Herrold of Hot Springs, Randall Herrold of Conway, Dr. Melanie Smith of Little Rock, Tracey Gangluff of Granger, Ind., and Todd Herrold of San Francisco, Calif.; his grandchildren – Jeffrey, Megan, Danny, Connor, Jonathan, Chelsey, Hayden, Sullivan, Addison, Harrison, Holden, and Gillian; his youngest brother, Stuart; his niece, Valerie Murphy, and his great-niece, Alexis Godfrey, of Port Jefferson, N.Y.; his childrens' spouses – Susan Herrold, Dee Herrold, Tom Smith and Bill Gangluff; and many friends and in-laws. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2011, at Our Lady of Holy Souls Catholic Church, followed by burial with military honors at Arkansas State Veterans' Cemetery, North Little Rock. The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., Monday, Jan. 17, 2011, with a remembrance service in the chapel at 7 p.m. at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, (501)224-8300. We know it was your time, but we'll still miss you very much. Rest in peace. We love you. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.