Atlanta, GA - Herschel M. Bloom, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, mentor, coach, and friend, died peacefully on January 18, 2026. He was 82 years old.

Originally from Clarksdale, Mississippi, Herschel attended Vanderbilt University, where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa. He then attended Harvard Law School, from which he graduated Cum Laude. While in Cambridge, he met Rita Krachmer, the love of his life, who would become his cherished wife of 59 years.

In 1969, after spending a year as an associate law professor at the University of Mississippi, Herschel joined King & Spalding in Atlanta, which became his professional home and remained so for over 40 years. During his tenure at King & Spalding, Herschel served as the Chairman of the Firm's Tax Team, on the Firm's Management Committee, and was considered one of the top tax attorneys in the country. In all areas of his professional and personal life, he was revered for his deep intellect, warmth, and charisma.

In addition to Board positions with various organizations, including The Galloway School, Shepherd Spinal Center, Russell Corporation, and Post Properties, Herschel was also actively involved with various Advisory Boards. He was a trustee of the Southern Federal Tax Institute and a member of the American and Georgia Bar Associations, along with other professional organizations.

Herschel's story would not be complete without highlighting his passion for baseball and the East Cobb Yankees, where he was the Assistant Head Coach for over 30 years. All the players and coaches associated with the program enriched his life tremendously, and he loved his East Cobb "family." His teams won multiple national championships and featured over 50 College All-Americans and 35 Major League Players. Herschel's love for the game was apparent to all who knew him, but most profoundly, to all who were coached by him and to those whose lives he touched. Herschel was known for handing out nicknames to all players, and many still go by those nicknames years after playing for the Yankees.

Herschel will be remembered for his sparkling smile that lit up his entire face, unique running style, remarkable ability to command the center of every room, and, most of all, his deep love for his family and many close friends. Even after he was diagnosed with Parkinson's, he remained positive, cheerful, and enthusiastic about life.

Herschel is survived by his beautiful wife, Rita, whom he adored with all his heart; his sisters, Ronna Bloom and Andrea Bloom; his sons, Lawton (Brettne) and Robert (Courtney); and his five grandchildren, Jordan, Eloisa, Mason, Anna, and Owen, who were his pride and joy.