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Rodney Herring Obituary
Mr. Rodney Louis Herring, 75, of Port St. Joe, FL, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 29, 2022 at Ascension Sacred Heart in Panama City, FL. Rodney was born on September 3rd, 1946 in Port St. Joe, FL.
Rodney served in the United States Navy on the USS Kearsarge during the Vietnam War. He then went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in History from the University of West Florida. Although he had several different careers the one he was most passionate about was teaching. His desire was to instill principles of patriotism and love of Country.
Outside of the classroom he enjoyed spending many hours driving the Tiger Sharks basketball team for their quest of numerous championships. He was the Student Government Association sponsor and touched many students' lives through his work.
Rodney was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church of Port St. Joe, FL, the VFW Post 10069, Sons of the American Revolution, American Legion Post 392 and the American Legion Legacy Scholarship Riders. He was an integral part of the concept, design and completion of the Veterans Honor Walk in Beacon Hill, FL. He also loved to study his family's genealogy. He spent much of his life researching, traveling and studying in search of his family's history.
One of Rodney's most memorable experiences was his epic cross-country motorcycle trek with William Shatner to raise awareness of American Legion programs and raise funds for The American Legion Legacy Scholarship.
He was preceded in death by his father, Lewis Jackson Herring and his mother, Iva Mae Herring.
Rodney is survived by his loving wife, Pamela Herring; his son Gary Herring (Shannon); his daughter, Holly Smith (Justin); three grandchildren, Jessica Smith (Quentin), Justin "Jay" Smith, Jr. and Sydney Herring; two great-grandchildren, Kanon and Kopelan "KJ" Smith. Rodney; two sisters, Carla Mathis (Chick) and Judy Williams (Rick); three nieces, Mandy Olson, Alyson Gerlach (Justin) and Lindsay Williams; nephew Kevin Mathis (Lori); and numerous great nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. EST, Wednesday, August 3, 2022 at First United Methodist Church of Port St. Joe with Rev. Dave Barkalow officiating. Interment followed in Holly Hill Cemetery. The following gentlemen will serve as pallbearers: Phil Collier, Rex Buzzett, Danny Davis, Mike Kirchoff, Bobby Wiley and George Duren. Honorary pallbearers will be the members of the American Legion Post 392 and VFW Post 10069.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to Tunnel to Towers Foundation at T2T.org or the First United Methodist Church of Port St. Joe, FL in memory of Rodney Herring.
Expressions of sympathy may be submitted at www.southerlandfamily.com.
Memories and Condolences
for Rodney Herring
19 Entries
Dickie Nall
August 22, 2023
Rodney was one of my cousins in Port St. Joe. I was on Facebook when I noticed the post's about it being a year since his passing.
Jenny hicks Gilbert
August 13, 2022
I´m sorry to hear the passing of Mr Herring. He was a great teacher and was loved by many. I´m praying for his family especially Mrs Judy Williams.
Jenny Van Pelt
August 3, 2022
Rodney is sorely missed in the Student Council world. We laughed so hard on the bus rides at student council conferences. Rodney was one in 100 million!
Dennis & Kay Geoghagan
August 3, 2022
We so appreciated Rodney´s dedication and support for our veterans. And even more appreciated his love for our children and teaching them the importance of participating in government, from SGA to knowing our history. Our thoughts and prayers are w/ the family...a great loss for our community also.
John Trachte
August 3, 2022
Rod was a special man! Really enjoyed his friendship, laughs and concern for all vets. Whether working the Veteran Task Force in the early years, or bringing in The Wall to both Mexico Beach and Apalachicola, he was dedicated! It was never work with him, it was our duty, yet he made it fun and memorable. You'll be missed my brother. I'll tip my glass to you and Amanda tonight. Pam, always here if you need anything. RIP... We've got it from here.
Brenda Krueger
August 3, 2022
Rest In Peace Rodney Peace be with your family!
I know you enjoyed the many years as tailgunner for Mike and Tina on the National American Legion Legacy Scholarship Ride.
If memory serves me correct it was at a end of the ride get-together where you influenced me with your knowledge, thoughts and insights on not only people but history and government!
I will always remember our special meet up at Port St. Jo and the cafe that hosted us as we accepted a donation from your local VFW. The time he spent with us was incredible and we all were blessed that day!!
So sorry for your loss Pamela!
Much love and respect,
Brenda & Chris Krueger & all of us that loved him from the Heartland of America
Kevin and Melissa Knight
August 3, 2022
Thankful for his service to our country. We are saddened to hear of your loss. Prayers for the family.
Colleen Burlingame
August 3, 2022
Our sympathies to the family, friends and Gulf County in their loss.
Dave Gibson
August 3, 2022
I met Rodney in 2010 during my first ALLR. We didn’t speak much but I do remember him and we became Facebook friends. I returned to complete the 2013 ALLR and he made a beeline for me when he saw me, welcoming me back. From that moment, we struck up a proper friendship that was maintained online and by sending each other small gifts. He even got me to make a spoof phone call to the lovely Pamela - I think she saw through it immediately and eventually found it funny. Rodney and I discussed many topics WW1, WW2, Politics (US and UK), Our Respective Navies, his Irish Ancestry, my Scottish Ancestry, Motorbikes (obviously), Alabama Crimson Tide and a great many things “Veteran”. Rodney’s passing is a loss to the world but I reckon that very same world gained an awful lot of good people that Rodney had, in some way, influenced during his life.
God Bless You Rodney. Fair winds and following seas Matelot. GBNF.
Wayne Taylor
August 2, 2022
I was fortunate enough to teach at Port St Joe High School for a few years the same time Rodney was teaching. He retired before me and we didn't keep in touch as much. My fault, not his. I don't think I've ever met a more patriotic veteran than Rodney. I admired that trait as well as his extensive knowledge of history. He never stopped learning and sharing what he knew. On a lighter side, I also don't think I've ever known anyone as quick witted as Rodney. He will be missed in our community. Fair winds and following seas shipmate.
Tony And Dana Pepe
August 2, 2022
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Mike Carbonneau
August 1, 2022
Rodney and I were best buddies growing up in St Joe until I moved to Marianna in the 9th grade. Our friendship never waned through the years. His sarcastic wit made for great exchanges between us, particularly with him being Navy and me being Air Force!
Pamela, I´ve never had the honor of meeting you, but please know my heart goes out to you and your family.
Carla and Judy, many memories of you both, and also of your great dad, "Red"! Im certainly thinking of you during this tough time...
Love to you all
Mike
Steve & Sheryl Ridenour
August 1, 2022
Sheryl and I remember all those days Rodney rode in front of me on the Legacy Run and those evenings we spent talking and sharing together. As Pam told me he was One Of A Kind. He will be missed by all who knew him. His British legion Riders brothers will do a toast at the end of this years run to him. A sailor´s farewell by a British sailor named Dave Gibson.
Elaine Hornstein
August 1, 2022
What a great friend! I treasure the memories made with Rodney and Pamela at the VFW Post 10069. Prayers for each of you during this difficult time! God's Peace, Elaine Hornstein
MIchael Munn
August 1, 2022
RIP friend, you were one of the good guys.
George Gentry
August 1, 2022
A good friend all my life. We were friends from our youth. We shared a lot in school together. We were friends on Facebook for many years. I will miss him a LOT. May God bless and comfort his wife and family. See you later, my brother.
Fred Griffin
August 1, 2022
RIP Rodney! You will be missed.
Linda Willis
August 1, 2022
So sorry to hear about Rodney's passing
Pat O’Bryan
August 1, 2022
So sorry for your loss Rodney was a good e,done so much for other people,Rip Rodney
Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results
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Memorial Events
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Aug
3
Visitation
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
First United Methodist Church
Port St. Joe, FL
Aug
3
Funeral service
11:00 a.m.
First United Methodist Church
Port St. Joe, FL
Funeral services provided by:
Southerland Family Funeral Home100 E. 19th Street, Panama City, FL 32405
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