Herman Gatling Jr.

1932 - 2014

Herman DeLoatche Gatling, Jr.

Salisbury-Herman DeLoatche Gatling Jr., 81 of Salisbury, MD went home with Jesus on Saturday, March 1, 2014 after a brief stay at Coastal Hospice at Deer's Head Hospital by the Lake in Salisbury, MD. He was born to Herman Gatling Sr. and Hilda Bailey on August 16, 1932.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 61 years, Nancy Lea Gatling of Norfolk, VA; daughter, Lorraine Lea Musgrave and husband John of Doylestown, PA; son, Geoffrey Lea Gatling and wife Judy of Chapel Hill, NC; son, Eric Lea Gatling and wife Judi of Beaverton, OR; and sister Annie Laurie McCullough of San Antonio, TX. He is also survived by his grandchildren Laura Musgrave Jones and husband Jonathan, Kevin Lea Gatling, Anna Jane Musgrave, Heather Lea Gatling and Christopher Lea Gatling along with five great-grandchildren Sophia, Olivia, Caleb, Naomi and Henry Jones. Along with his parents, Herman was preceded in death by his sister Louise Herr of Lancaster, PA and mother in-law Margaret Bridgeman Lea and father in-law Irving Weldon Lea.

Herman grew up in Norfolk, VA graduating from Maury High School in 1950 where he excelled in football and track. After high school, he attended Columbia Prep School receiving a Navy scholarship to Annapolis. He made the decision to accept a full football scholarship to the University of Virginia where he attended from 1952-1957 becoming a member of Zeta Psi fraternity. Herman was a scholar of a student making the Dean's list at UVA. He was a star line backer and running back for the University.

Herman went into sales working for Buick Division of General Motors becoming a District Manager during the 14 years of employment. He later was self employed owning and managing a Buick Dealership in Quakertown, PA, a leasing company, truck repair and trolley business in California.

Herman's passion was sports but especially football supporting the Washington Redskins. He was president of Kiwanis while living in California for twenty years. He volunteered at the homeless shelter at Cross Pointe Church in Salisbury where he was a member. His favorite past time was spending time with his family enjoying games particularly card games as well as tickling his great-grandchildren.

He always had a positive and encouraging word for everyone especially those "down on their luck," as he always saw the glass half full and reminded others "this too shall pass."

Herman's memorial service will be held Saturday, March 8th at Cross Pointe Church of the Nazarene in Salisbury 10am-11am visitation, service 11am.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Homeless Shelter at Cross Pointe Church of the Nazarene, 27765 Nanticoke Rd, Salisbury, MD.

Arrangements are in the care of Holloway Funeral Home, P.A., 501 Snow Hill Rd., Salisbury, MD 21804. Please visit www.hollowayfh.com to express condolences to the family.