David Charles Hering

David Charles Hering, age 75, passed away peacefully on Memorial Day Monday, May 29, 2023, at Piedmont Cartersville Hospital in Cartersville, Georgia. Born to Chalmers Borthwick and Elizabeth Mae (Shultis) Hering in Oneonta, New York on May 2, 1948. He was the youngest of their four children following older brothers Carl Borthwick, Bruce DeWitt and Keith Loring Hering.

The family spent David’s formative years as residents of West Laurens, New York. David was a 1966 graduate of Laurens Central High School where he showed a natural athletic aptitude. Enlisting in the United States Marine Corps after graduation, he served two tours in the Vietnam War. Upon his return state side, he continued his military career attending officers training school while marrying his longtime best friend Noralie Faye (Lare) Hering. In the years following they had four children [Marsha Lucinda, Brian Theodore, Christine Louise and Joanne Rebecca] all of whom were born in different assignment locations. His abilities in the communications and data processing fields lead him to earning his Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from UNC Chapel Hill while stationed at Camp LeJune. His distinguished 23-year military career was filled with many different achievements and awards that included two tours of service oversees in Okinawa, Japan. Having attained the rank of Major, David retired from active duty in January of 1989. He proceeded to embark on a “civilian” career working for government contractors as a Program Manager leading various project task teams. This role led to an eventual relocation from South Georgia to the middle of the US, landing in Lenexa, Kansas in 1993. From this central location he managed contracts up & down the east coast and across the Midwest as Director within Lockheed Martin’s military programs division. He retired for a second time in June of 2014 and with an eye towards spending quality time with the grandkids, relocated for a final time in August of 2015 to Cartersville, Ga. Making the many trips over the subsequent years to wrestling matches, cheerleading competitions, football, baseball and lacrosse games in support of them.

David had a love for life, taking the path less traveled and adventure “driving” as he liked to call it. He had a great appreciation for riding motorcycles, old cars and tractors which carried him on many outdoor adventures near and far. Over the years he was an active member of several Antique Car club(s), Empire Tractor club, BMW & Indian Motorcyclist club(s) and various other groups that allowed him to support these interests and meet like-minded people.

Words can’t begin to describe how many people’s lives he touched. If you needed a helping hand, David was one of the first people to volunteer to help. Often referring to himself as an old farm boy at heart he could be found going out to the garage to “tinker” on various projects, help family work on their vehicles, or being a handy man around the house. Towards the end of his life, he started cooking and trying his hand at more baking projects. Many of which turned out to be quite tasty and he was always willing to share with neighbors’ the fruits of his baking labors.

David was a hardworking man, dedicated to family and has instilled in his kids just how much family means. He always tried to do the right thing, to try to find the best in people and that there is always a silver lining no matter how hard things may seem. He was always ready with sarcastic humor to help brighten the day or a helping hand when others needed it. Each day was a day to try a little bit harder and took after his father – “If you are going to do something, do it right the first time and with your best effort.”

He is preceded in death by his wife of 49 years [Noralie Faye], brother [Keith Loring] and granddaughter [Mazzie Savannah]. He is survived by their four children [Marsha Lucinda, Brian Theodore, Christine Louise, Joanne Rebecca], daughter-in-law [Stephanie Ann], four grandchildren [Brittany Renee, Maverick Chase, Dillon Alexander, Sadie Ann], one great-grandchild [Lawton Hayes Gordan] and a host of extended family.

A graveside service is planned for July 18th, 2023, in honor of both him and his beloved wife on the 5th year anniversary of Noralie’s passing. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Disabled Veterans of America or your local VFW chapter.

To include any personal stories or pictures in a memorial tribute to David, please email [email protected] .