John Raymond Herbert

John Raymond Herbert was the first of seven children born to Vivian (Herbert) Cunningham. Always known as “Johnny,” he was born in the city of Cheyenne, Wyoming, on December 1, 1956. Until the approximate age of 11, the family lived in Chicago, Illinois, and then moved to Columbus, Ohio, where Johnny attended Douglas Elementary School and Champion Junior High. The family spent much time attending the Ephesus SDA Church which greatly influenced Johnny’s mindset and outlook on life.

As a teen, Johnny was fascinated by fitness and prided himself on the number of pushups he could do in one setting. He could do 100 at a time with relative ease.  He often took on challengers and wagered real money to see who could do the most consecutively. He earned the nickname “Tink,” possibly because of the sound his golden neck chain made as it hit the pavement in rapid
succession.

Those who knew him, know that Johnny had a high degree of verbal fluency and could pontificate on a variety of subjects, and on a certain level, he could be considered a great orator, having had a good command of the English language. He had a great memory. At one point in his early 20s, while in prison, he started working on an autobiography of his life experiences to pass along for others to learn from the mistakes he made as a young man. While the book was never completed or published, decades later, Johnny could recite the entire first chapter word-for-word without error.

For quite some time, Johnny worked with his younger brother, Scottie, in the janitorial business, coming in the evenings to make sure businesses looked their best for the public consumers. At one point, he owned his own company, Affordable Superior Cleaning Services, where he also worked alongside the mother of his son, Sean.

Johnny also liked to sing, albeit in the style of Fred Sanford. Two of his favorite songs which he often liked to sing a few bars were an old gospel song called “The Lord is Coming Back to This Old Earth Again,” and “If I Didn’t Care,” by the Ink Spots, a black male group which was famous during the 1930s and 40s. He was a constant joker, always wanting to brighten everyone’s day. He was helpful and willing to help you move stuff.

He was beloved by his family. His memory will be cherished, and he will be missed.

Johnny is survived by his mother, Vivian Cunningham; son, Sean Herbert; Sean’s Mom, Chynita Perrigen; siblings, Janice Nwabunike, Gina Herbert, Elena Harris, Dino Herbert, Scott (Felicia) Herbert, and Luanda Cunningham; half brother, William Miller, III; nieces and nephews, Tasha (Jason) Noel, Stephen Nwabunike, Jason Herbert, Charles Harris, Jr., Johnathan (Janelle)
Nwabunike, Jamilah Pitts, Shakera Pitts, Jacqueline (Ra’Mone) Cummings, Paige Herbert, Claude Herbert, Clayton Herbert, D’Angelo Herbert, D’Andre Herbert, Trinity Herbert, and Caleb Cunningham; great-nephews and nieces, Jason Noel, Jr., Jasmine Noel, Carsyn Cummings, and Johnathan Nwabunike, Jr.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John Raymond Herbert, please visit our floral store.