Herby H. “Herb” Early, 76, of Warm Springs passed away Sunday, February 5, 2023 at his home.

He was born July 28, 1946 in Jonesboro but lived his entire life in the Ingram community. He was the son of the late James Herbert and Edna Ray Barnett Early.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and by a special friend, Greg Rainwater.

Herb is survived by thousands of Maynard students and staff members who adored him, his church family, many who thought of him as a grandfather, numerous extended family members, many friends, and countless African pastors and friends in Uganda and Kenya who all looked up to him.

Herb was a member of Shannon Baptist Church, served as a longtime deacon, and loved to sing and serve others. He taught Sunday School classes for many years. He poured his life into serving others from the halls of Maynard High School to the African bush. He was a High School English teacher and Principal serving the Maynard community for twenty-nine years. Education and his love of Jesus were deeply important to him and he found a way to use these passions to change the lives of others in Randolph County and around the world. He loved his community and instilled in everyone he came into contact with the importance of education, strong work ethic, morals, and his love of Christ. He could always be found traveling to other countries to sightsee, eating lunch at the Sale Barn Café, or leading a pastor’s conference in Africa.

Mr. Early has changed the lives of many. His legacy will live on forever in the memories of all those he has touched so deeply.

All services for Herb Early will be held in the chapel of McNabb Funeral Home. Visitation will be Tuesday, February 14, 2023 from 5-8 PM. The funeral service will be Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at 2 PM with Matt Weaver officiating. Burial will follow in Spikes Cemetery.

Honored to serve as Pallbearers are: Ligie Waddell Jr, Jeremy Johnson, Sammy Glisson, Jeff Priest, Braden Watson, and Josiah Weaver.