Herschel G. Vanoy

Herschel G. Vanoy, of Lubbock, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home on March 13, 2025.

He was born at home on November 25, 1937, in Casey County, KY to the late Hollis Howard and Lula Wilcher Vanoy.

Herschel answered the call to serve his country at the age of 18, enlisting in the United States Air Force. He served with distinction and rose to the top enlisted rank of Chief Master Sergeant, earning his bachelor’s degree in management along the way. Commanding and fair, he was a supervisor in aviation fuels management. Herschel was stationed in England, Spain, Southeast Asia, South America, Arizona, California, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Nevada, Texas and South Carolina.

He was honored with numerous awards and decorations, presented to him by field-grade officers. He won both Airman of the Month and Airman of the Year for every location he was assigned. Highly regarded, he was known familiarly as “The Chief”. His dedication and commitment to duty were unwavering, and he served with honor and pride. During his retirement ceremony, he was honored with a fly-by by the USAF Thunderbirds. He was offered a ride in one of the aircraft, but declined that honor! After his military retirement, he worked for twenty more years in the oil and gas field. A quiet and unassuming man, he never met a stranger and was respected wherever he went.

  Herschel was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Patty Jeter Vanoy of Lubbock, TX; his son, Dr. Timothy Craig Vanoy of Arlington, VA; his daughters, Melodye Anne (David) Gordon of Charlotte, NC and Abby Vanoy (Scott) Snyder of San Saba, TX. He is also survived by a granddaughter, Chelsea, and two great-grandchildren, Eloise and Jensen.

Funeral services for Chief Vanoy will be private.  Burial will take place in the Poplar Grove Cemetery.

Arrangements for Herschel G. Vanoy have been entrusted to McKinney-Brown Funeral Home.  An online guestbook is available at www.mckinneybrown.com