Leon Forest Herring
September 13, 1917 - June 4, 2017
Macon, GA- Leon Forest "Red" Herring, 99 years young, of Macon, Georgia passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving children on Sunday, June 4, 2017.
Red was born in Malone, Florida on September 13, 1917 the son of the late Luther Forest Herring and Fannie Pigford Herring. He was a graduate of Malone High School and a member of First Baptist Church of Malone.
Red proudly served his country during World War II aboard the destroyer the U.S.S. Anderson where he participated in 10 major campaigns including the Battle of Midway. He received many honors for his service including the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.
He was employed at Georgia Kraft for 35 years where he retired as Superintendent of the Power Department.
Red was an active member of the community. He volunteered at the Cherry Blossom Festival each year since its inaugural celebration until 2015. An avid dancer, he enjoyed over forty years as a member of various clubs. Red was a fixture at S and S Cafeteria on Riverside Drive, where he never met a stranger or a glass of sweet tea he didn't enjoy. He was a member of Northside Christian Church and active in his Sunday school class at Forest Hills United Methodist Church.
He most enjoyed his "ship" reunions each year, gathering with his war buddies and telling stories of their time at sea. He kept a diary of his time aboard ship that was published in 2013 as, Red Herring's Diary.
Red was preceded in death by his five siblings and his wife, Margaret Elder Herring.
He is survived by his children, Terry Mayhew (Phil), Susan Reeves (Tom), Ellen Scoggins (Mickey), Bill Dixon (Lisa); grandchildren, Jeremy Scoggins (Jennie), Jason Scoggins (Joy), Jessica Reeves, Joshua Scoggins (Jessica), Justin Reeves (Britt), Jonathan Scoggins (Katie), Maggie Dixon, Joanna Scoggins, Chandler Dixon; great-grandchildren, Joseph Scoggins, James Scoggins, Jacob Scoggins, Henry Scoggins, Alice Scoggins, baby girl Reeves; many nieces and nephews, his "bonus" son, Bert Hahn, and many treasured friends.
The family will receive friends Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at Fairhaven Funeral Home, 4989 Mt. Pleasant Church Road, Macon, from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, June 7, 2017 at Northside Christian Church, 5024 Northside Drive, Macon at 2:00 p.m. with graveside to follow at Riverside Cemetery, North Gate. Minister Lee Strickland and Minister Kevin Payton will officiate.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to St. Jude's Research Hospital.
Friends may sign the online register at www.fairhavenmacon.com.
Fairhaven Funeral Home and Cremation Services has charge of arrangements.

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Published by The Telegraph on Jun. 6, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Leon Herring

24 Entries

Robbie Covey

May 31, 2021

We will always have fond memories of you.

Robbie and Raymond Covey

May 31, 2021

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Robbie Covey

June 2, 2020

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Ed Tallent

May 31, 2019

God bless you BigRed! Two years may have passed but the impact you made on me will never be forgotten! I still see my dad through you just as I told you last time we visited! Hope you and him are sailing the glorious seas together and enjoying the beautiful scenery! You indeed deserve it! YOU ARE TRULY AN AMERICAN HERO !!!!!

Robbie Covey

June 16, 2017

We were so sorry to hear of Mr. Leon's passing. He was such a sweet man and a gentle soul. We will miss him terribly and will always think of him at S&S. He was truly amazing. Raymond and Robbie Covey

Ed Tallent

June 11, 2017

God bless you Big Red! May you Forever Rest In Peace and sail the Glorious Sea without fear of harm or danger. You are positively a True Hero and an Inspiration to all who have had the pleasure of knowing and meeting you!

Teresa Scott

June 9, 2017

I had the distinct pleasure of working for Mr. Herring (Big Red). It was truly an honor to serve him, if but for only a short time. Thank you for allowing me to serve a hero among men. Very humble gentle man.

Sylvia Black

June 7, 2017

A wonderful man with a gentle soul. You represent the best of us.

Wilson

June 7, 2017

May the God of all comfort strengthen the family during this time of deep sorrow. Those who pass on, God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. My sincerest condolences. (Psalms 116:15)

patty wilson

June 7, 2017

I have so many good memories of Mr Herring. He was such an good sweet man that knew how to do everything! And didn't mind doing it! Much love to Susan, Ellen, and Bill. I can't be there today but you all are in my thoughts as you lay your sweet daddy to rest.

Tom Tengelsen

June 6, 2017

I always enjoyed seeing Mr. Herring every month for years to service his home. I am honored to have called him my friend.

Ray Cox

June 6, 2017

So sorry I couldn't be there, you will be greatly missed. I will always have fond memories of you, you were a great uncle!!

Lori Williams Jordan

June 6, 2017

So many fond memories of Mr Red. Always looked forward to seeing him when he visited Malone. He will always be very special to the Williams family.

William Curtis

June 6, 2017

So sorry to hear of Mr. Herring's passing. He was a good man, and had a gentle soul. He will surely be missed by many!

Ronnie and Chrissy Hill

June 6, 2017

So sorry to hear of your families loss of Red. He was very special and will be missed. He worked for many years at the mill with our father Ed Hill. Red was always a guy fun to be around.
Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Diane DuBose Moore

June 6, 2017

We will all miss Red so much, but he is having a wonderful reunion in Heaven and I'm sure dancing up a storm! He was absolutely the best neighbor we ever had and came to Mama's "rescue" many, many times. We will always love and appreciate him for everything he did for all of us in the Riverview area. Thanks for sharing him with us- we have so many wonderful memories! Love to all of Red's family and friends!

Larry and Kathy Smallwood

June 6, 2017

So sad to hear of Mr. Red's passing. We will certainly miss seeing him at his usual table at the S&S Cafeteria. We loved to talk to him about his war experiences and are glad that we have a copy of his book. Praying your memories bring you peace and comfort in the days ahead.

Paula Lester-Taylor

June 6, 2017

May God's Love comfort you during this time of great sorrow. I loved watching Red dance at the age of 92 at one of the Ship Reunions. He was proof that we are never too old to participate in activities we enjoy. My mother Jean Lester (wife to former Anderson shipmate Bernard Lester) also sends her deepest sympathies.

carole newberry

June 6, 2017

WE WILL MISS RED SO MUCH - WAS A MEMBER OF MARSHALLS S.S. CLASS FOR SO LONG

Martha

June 6, 2017

Sorry for your loss. May you find peace and hope in the difficult days ahead by trusting in God. Romans 15:13.

Jim, Susan and Rachael Lawson

June 6, 2017

With deepest sympathy. We are so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you as you celebrate the wonderful life of Big Red.

Tiffeny and Steven Crook

June 5, 2017

"There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness but of power. They are messengers of overwhelming grief and of unspeakable love." Washington Irving

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