Old Ridge Runner Fund
This fund supports the administrative work of the Tucker Community Foundation while honoring the colorful life and legacy of Navy veteran, writer, and Tucker County native Herman R. Hebb.
TYPE OF FUND: Designated
DATE ESTABLISHED: 2006
PURPOSE: To provide funds for administrative purposes of TCF.
DISTRIBUTION: Upon the recommendation of the Grants Committee and approval by the Board of Directors of TCF.
VARIANCE POWER: If, in the judgment of the TCF Board of Directors, the restrictions and conditions of the fund become unnecessary, incapable of fulfillment or inconsistent with the charitable needs of the community, the TCF Board of Directors maintains the right to modify the terms of this fund.
FUNDING: Initial donation of $1,000.00 from Herman R. Hebb in February 1995, proceeds from his book The Old Ridge Runner, and $10,000 from his estate upon his death in 2005. McClain Printing Company (MPC), under President George A. Smith, agreed to print the book at cost, with early sales repaying the print cost. Once reimbursed, all profits supported the fund. MPC was paid in full by the end of November 2002.
BACKGROUND: Herman R. Hebb was born May 28, 1910, in William, Tucker County, WV, to Harvey Dow and Margaret Mason Hebb. He was one of eight siblings and graduated from Black Fork District High School (later Parsons High School) in 1931. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy that August and served until 1956, retiring as a Lieutenant Commander. Though he only returned to Tucker County for three years after his service, he always considered it home.
He married Marvel Groshart in 1933 and had two children: Herma Rae Hebb and Wayne Mason Hebb. After their divorce, he married Clara Louise Stroter in 1945. Following retirement, the couple sailed their 30-ft ketch through the Panama Canal to Florida and eventually settled there in 1961. He wrote a popular column, The Old Ridge Runner, for the Parsons Advocate from 1985–1990.
At age 92, Herman was still living in Punta Gorda, FL, and remained an active supporter of his hometown, returning annually for the Parsons High School Alumni Banquet. He passed away on December 12, 2005, at the age of 95.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: In addition to the $10,000 gift to establish The Old Ridge Runner Fund, Mr. Hebb’s estate left another $40,000 to TCF for pass-through donations, including:
$10,000 each to Parsons City Cemetery and Five Rivers Public Library
$5,000 each to Rose Hill Cemetery, Leadmine Cemetery, Fairview Cemetery on Location Road, and the William Hebb Cemetery on the Stemple Farm in Preston County.
