Bruce Emerson Herron MD

Bruce was born October 15, 1943 in Jackson, Tennessee, son of physician and Jackson Clinic founder, Henry Harrison Herron, and Lucille Duncan Herron. Bruce attended Jackson High School, where he served as valedictorian before attending Rice University and graduating from Rhodes College in 1965. He graduated from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, where he was elected to Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, in 1969 and then completed his residency in ophthalmology at the University of Iowa.

He returned to Jackson in 1975 to join the Eye Clinic, where he practiced until his retirement in 2014. He was active in professional organizations and served a term as president of the Tennessee Academy of Ophthalmology. Bruce was a longtime and treasured member of First Presbyterian Church in Jackson, where he served as elder, choir member, and dear friend to many, including Pastor John White. He was kind, gentle, and generous. These qualities served him well in medicine.

Bruce found great satisfaction in helping his patients with problems small and large, from new glasses to surgery. From a young age, he was fascinated by cars, motorcycles, and trains. He was often found tinkering with an old roadster in the garage, attending a Formula 1 race, or adding a new line to his model train set. He also loved to travel to destinations across the United States, the Caribbean, and Europe with family, friends, and especially his wife, Judy. He was a beloved doctor, mentor, philanthropist, and friend, and will be dearly missed.

Bruce was a loving husband, brother, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Judy E. Herron of Jackson, TN; his sister, Susan S. Herron (Ben) of Memphis, TN; sister-in-law Eleanor M. Herron; his son, Paul E. Herron (Lisa) of Providence, RI; his daughters, Jennifer W. Powell (Walt) of Germantown, TN, Anne Marie Helm (Joe) of Nashville, TN, and Rachel Scott Harris (Chris) of Hanover, NH; and his nine grandchildren: Mary Parker, Emerson, Samuel, Michael, Margaret, Iris, Eliza, James, and Henry.

He was predeceased by his brother, H. Harrison Herron, Jr. and his grandson, Austin H. Powell.

He will be buried at Hollywood Cemetery in Jackson, TN, where he served as board member and president. A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church at a later date. In the interim, please select the Get Updates card below to be notified when these arrangements are placed here.

Online condolences may be offered at georgeasmithandsons.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Regional Inter-Faith Association at rifajackson.org or P.O. Box 2301, Jackson, TN 38302 or The Dream Center at dreamcenterjackson.com or 1970 N. Highland Ave. Ste. E, Jackson, TN 38305, or to the organization of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.GeorgeASmithandSons.com for the Herron family.