James Herman Latney, 88, of Bowling Green, Virginia, entered eternal rest on Wednesday, May 3, 2017, at Bowling Green Health & Rehabilitation Center.

Born and raised in Caroline County, Herman, one of eight children born to Willie and Annie Latney left home at an early age. With his desire to travel and see the world, he joined a carnival company and traveled through the neighboring states.

Whenever you think of a carnival one of the first thoughts to come to mind will be of him and the ferris wheel. Giving pleasure to many with free rides, he was the highlight of the carnival for the youngsters that he held dear to his heart.

Herman worked many years with local moving companies such as Hilldrup Moving and Storage and United Van Lines. In addition to driving the big trucks for the moving companies, he also worked for different companies driving l8 wheelers. He loved being behind the wheel of a truck.

Having an entrepreneurial spirit, he ventured out and became his own boss by creating JHL Cab Service.

You could always find him volunteering his services at church in any area that needed him. You could find him directing traffic and assisting with parking or maintaining the church property and cemetery lot.

An avid photographer, he was equally comfortable in front of or behind the camera. He had an infectious smile that let you know he was being comical or mischievous. He never met a stranger and was caring and giving to all.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Vivian, who he married in April 1952; seven daughters, Gloria Jean (Samir Tarahount), Dora Edenton, Vivian J. Latney, Joyce (Rogers Carter), Mary Fail, Lynda Graddick, and Juanita Latney; one son, James B. Latney; one brother, Willie Latney; two sisters-in-law. Geraldine Myers and Willie Mae Johnson; one brother-in-law, Logene Johnson; a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren; a devoted grandson, Steven O. Latney, son-in-law, Rogers Carter and Unique Coleman whom he considered one of his daughters; extended loved one, Kevin Hunter and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by one daughter, Sydney Green.

A viewing will be held Friday, May 12, from 4 to 8 p.m. at C. W. Edwards Funeral Home, 16476 Richmond Turnpike, Bowling Green, Virginia 22427 and one hour before the service on Saturday at the church.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 13, at St. James Baptist Church, 19514 Sparta Road, Milford, Virginia 22514 with Rev. Dr. Charles Baugham delivering the eulogy. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.