Fly's Life Reflection

Herman Nathaniel Trent, affectionately known as "Fly," was born on July 18, 1956, in Cumberland, Virginia. He was the seventh child born to Nathaniel Epps Trent and Lillie Pearl Bland Trent.

At an early age Herman was baptized and joined Rocky Mount Baptist Church, where his membership remained throughout his life.

He attended Cumberland County Public Schools, where he was a star athlete who excelled in baseball, basketball, and track and field. Known for his incredible speed, Herman earned the nickname "Fly" as the primary sprinter for track and field team from 1974-1976. He captured first place in the 100-yard and 200-yard dashes, was a member of the winning 880-yard relay team, and earned second place in the long jump, even setting a school record during his high school years.

On July 28, 1979, Herman married his high school sweetheart, Doris Hatcher, and to this union one daughter, Shamone, was born, Fly was well-known for his infectious laughter, fun-loving spirit, and natural charisma. He was the life of every gathering; a jokester, a dancing machine, and someone who could find a ride anywhere he wanted to go, even all the way to New Jersey.

Herman was employed by Booth and Company and Troyer, and worked various side jobs helping others, including his younger brother, Stoney. He was a stylish dresser who took great pride in his appearance and cherished spending time with his family, especially his nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. A devoted Pittsburg Steelers fan, Herman was known for his generosity and willingness to share whatever he had from money to bologna.

On November 5, 2025, Herman transitioned peacefully at Centra Southside Hospital in Farmville, Virginia, surrounded by family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers; Andrew "Dick" Trent, Henderson "Jim" Trent, and Curtis Trent; one sister, Lillie Ann Wood.

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife of 46 years, Doris H. Trent; two daughters, Shamone Trent and Shamanda Washington; one son, Amon Washington; two grandsons, Ahmad and Daveon Booker; one brother, Eddie "Stoney" Trent (Leisa); three sisters, Mary Jackson, Sarah Trent and Annie Williams; numerous nieces and nephews, including one he considered a sister, Rev. Eurika Tyree (Conrad); four devoted nephews, Ramin Trent, Devron Trent, James Wood Jr., (Evon), and Jonathan Randolph; two brothers-in-law, James Wood Sr., and Linwood Randolph; four sisters-in-law; Loretta Robinson, Shirley Hatcher, Linda Mack Trent and Alice Trent; goddaughter, O'Layna Tyree; and a host of cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Among his many devoted friends are Charles Langhorne, James Trent, Charles Warren, Terrance Staton, Raymond Booker, James Johnson, Albert Brown, Lloyd Edmonds, Everleane Randolph and Robert Persall.

Herman "Fly" Trent will forever be remembered for his humor, kindness, faith, and the joy he brought to everyone who knew him.

To My Husband,

Through it all, we hung in there and stayed true to our vows, until death do us part. Even when I was mad at you, somehow you always made me laugh. From high school sweethearts to a lifetime of love, we built memories, faced challenges, and gathered many testimonies along the way. I'll forever remember your crazy joking spirit and those unforgettable dance moves that could light up any room.

With love always, Your Wife

Farewell Dad,

Dad, thank you for your love, your laughter, and your lessons. You taught me strength, patience, and joy all in your own way. You weren't just my father, you were my friend, my favorite dancing partner, and my biggest supporter. I'll hold on to your jokes, your smile, and every memory we shared. Your love will always live in me, and I'II keep dancing for the both of us.

-With all my love, Your daughter Shamone

Dad,

I'm thankful for the love you gave, For family trips and laughter too. The smiles, the jokes, the memories made Each one reminds me still of you. You filled our hearts with so much joy, A jokester, strong, and true. You'll always be a part of me; in everything I do. You're in a better place now, Dad, at peace, where pain will end. I'll feel you near and love you still Until we meet again.

-Amon

For My Father,

We didn't walk the same road often, and sometimes silence filled the space between us. But beneath the quiet, love still lived steady, unspoken, real. Your strength shaped parts of me I'm only now beginning to see. There were things we never said, moments that passed without the right words, but I carry your lessons in small ways: how to keep going, how to stand firm, how to care even when it's hard to show. Today, I say goodbye not with regret, but with peace for in your own way, you gave what you could, and in mine, I loved you still. Rest now, Dad. Your work is done, your burdens lightened. And though our paths were different, I'll always be your child, walking on, carrying your quiet love with me

-Shamanda

Papa,

Thank you for everything you've done for us. You gave us so much love and even passed down your athletic skills. We'll never forget your funny jokes and your calm, quiet spirit. You could always light up a room, even when you made us a little embarrassed. There's no one like you, and no one can dance like you, "Fly."

We love you, Papa. See you later. -Ahmad & Daevon

A Message of Thanks from Above:

My time down here was short, but truly great. I enjoyed my stay, every laugh, every moment, every memory we made. But now, it was my time to go.

To my family and friends, thank you for the love, the joy, and the journey. Remember this: love deeply; let go freely and cherish family always.

Because it's forever a Trent Family Affairs!

Love you all, Fly