Richard Paul Herson

HOLLY SPRINGS - Richard Paul Herson, 85, passed away on the afternoon of Thursday, August 13, 2026, with his family by his side.

He was born in Los Angeles, CA on June 5, 1941, the son of the late Paul and Barbara Herson. As a young man in his early 20's, Paul became interested in computers and decided to make his future as a programmer, content to be on this path through life. In 1975, the Lord called him to be a missionary to Bangalore, India. He was close to graduating with a Master's in Biblical Studies, so when missionaries from India asked Paul and his wife, Teresa, to join their ministry, after much prayer, they agreed.

Paul answered his calling in 1978 when he was asked to teach at a Bible College in Bangalore, India. Paul and Teresa sold their home, got their visas, and headed to India for the next 7 years while he taught and established a church. The government of India suspended the issuance of visas to Americans, thus ushering in a new role for their ministry.

Paul and Teresa, along with their family returned to the United States in 1985. Shortly after, Paul became a teacher in the Baptist Bible College East in Boston, MA, teaching many classes and working as Academic Dean for a year. He served in this role from 1986 until 1996 before resigning to answer God's call for them to serve Him in Karachi, Pakistan.

His ministry in Pakistan included serving as a pastor, and a teacher along with Teresa, both of whom taught in the Baptist Bible Institute they founded in 2021 before ultimately retiring from the mission field in 2025, when they came to live in Holly Springs, NC. Since then, Paul and Teresa have faithfully attended Rawls Baptist Church in Fuquay-Varina, NC. Paul was a loving husband, father, grandfather, friend, and a devoted man of God - he will be dearly missed in the days ahead.

Paul is survived by his wife of 59 years, Teresa Herson; sons, John Herson of Raleigh, Mark Herson and wife, Lori of Coatesville, PA; granddaughter, Elle Herson of Coatesville, PA; and a host of church family and friends.

The family will receive friends and relatives from 9:00 AM-9:45 AM on Monday, August 17, 2026, at Rawls Baptist Church (10665 US-401, Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526), with a funeral service to begin at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow in the church cemetery located directly across the street.

Flowers are welcome or in lieu, memorial contributions may be made in Paul's memory to Rawls Baptist Church (10665 US 401, Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526).

Funeral arrangements are by Bryan-Lee Funeral Home of Garner. Online condolences may be made at www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com