Milton Herrington

Milton Herrington, 90, of Pine Ridge, passed away on Thursday, December 4, 2025, surrounded by family. He was born on January 7, 1935, to Paul and Johnnie Herrington in Sour Lake.

Milton grew up with his three siblings in Pine Ridge, where he attended Sour Lake schools. He played football, ran track, and played basketball throughout high school. After graduating, he went on to play basketball at Lamar University for two years. His love of basketball carried into later life when he began refereeing for local high schools. He quickly rose to become one of the top referees in the Golden Triangle, even getting the chance to referee some of his eldest son, Mike’s, basketball games. He later officiated college games at Lamar University and Texas A&I in Kingsville after moving to Alice, Texas.

Milton’s greatest source of pride was his children and grandchildren. He never missed a chance to talk about what his family was doing and the accomplishments they had achieved. His love of nature was instilled in all of his children, who were raised learning to hunt, fish, garden, and develop the skills needed to be self-sufficient.  Of all these joys, the bond he shared with his grandson, Collin, was something truly special. Milton, PawPaw, adored Collin and was always proud to share his accomplishments with anyone who would listen. Living next door allowed them a unique closeness that few grandparents experience. He taught Collin the same values and outdoor skills he passed on to his own children, and their time together brought him tremendous pride and joy.

In 1977, Milton moved his family to Alice to pursue a career in the oil and gas drill bit industry with what later became Halliburton Drill Bits. This career change not only brought opportunities for business success, it also led to lifelong friendships with Ray Beasley, Red Blythe, and Red West. Milton soon became a pioneer and industry leader in drill bit sales and distribution for South Texas. A former president of Halliburton Drill Bits once said that Milton’s South Texas Energy Enterprise, Inc. distributorship set the standard and left a legacy that would never be matched.

While living in Alice, Milton enjoyed playing golf at Alice Country Club, camping, fishing, and trotlining at Choke Canyon Reservoir, and hunting on various leases. Toward the end of his time in Alice, Mike and Milton found land in McMullen County, which became his next big project and source of pride.

After retirement, he moved back to Pine Ridge, which he had always considered home. From there, he made frequent trips to the ranch, where he spent much of his free time. The ranch was one of his favorite places to be—he called it a little piece of Heaven. He spent countless hours improving the land, roads, and facilities. His time there allowed him to connect deeply with close friends such as Ed Vogel, A.B. Clark, Harold Bagwell, and the Escobar and Maldonado families, along with many others who visited throughout the years.

Milton is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Alice Herrington; sons, Mike Herrington and his wife, Elizabeth, of Boerne, and Greg Herrington and his wife, Betty, of Alice; daughter, Wendi Shiff and her husband, Max, of Pine Ridge; and grandson, Collin Shiff of Pine Ridge. He is also survived by his step-grandson, Cody Dimler, and his wife, Nicole, and by their son, Colton, whom he lovingly considered his great-grandchild; as well as nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, and church family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Johnnie Herrington; his first wife, Beverly Fadner; infant son, Adam Wayne Herrington; brother, Wayne Herrington; and sisters, Bevil Carter and Jenny White.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 537, Sour Lake, Texas 77659.

A gathering of Mr. Herrington’s family and friends will begin at 11:00 a.m., with his funeral service at 12:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at First Baptist Church, 765 6th Street, Sour Lake. A graveside service will follow at 3:00 p.m. at Pine Ridge Cemetery, Highway 421, Sour Lake, under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.