Master Sergeant Elijah Harrold Herring

Master Sergeant Elijah Harold Herring transitioned to be with the Lord on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, while at home, surrounded by his loved ones.  He was eighty-four years of age.  Born in Lee County, Georgia on December 16, 1938, he was the first-born child of two loving parents, the late Mr. Bryant Herring and the late Mrs. Ruth Butler Herring.  Elijah had a deep love and admiration for both his parents and took great pride in both being the eldest of five and having the honor of being called a “Herring”.  He never hesitated to share that it was in his upbringing that he always embraced the love of God, and a powerful love of family.  In addition to his expression of care for his parents, he also cherished his relationship and upbringing with his siblings as the eldest of five which includes Moses, Bonnie, Wallace and James (Richard).

MSGT Elijah Herring, known to some as “Sarge”, graduated from Ballard Hudson High School in 1958 in Macon, Georgia. Immediately following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army where he faithfully served his country and retired after thirty years of service.  It was through his service and time in the military that he not only traveled the world, he also developed many skills with technology, engineering and mechanics.  Although his travels provided the experiences of having lived in many countries and cities across the world and the United States, nothing ever compared to the opportunity to return home to be with family, fellowship with friends and enjoy the company of loved ones.

In 1958, he married his high school sweetheart, Dorothy Jenkins Herring and through their union five children were born: Benetta, Abby Gail, Ricky Sr., Michael, Sr. and Eli.  Affectionately known and adored as “Granddaddy”, he was the very proud grandfather of fourteen grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren.  Sarge loved his family and took every opportunity he had to instill within all of his grandchildren the importance of the love of God and family.

Sarge took great pride in always capturing moments and memories with both photography and videography. He spent a great deal of time with his family creating memories through video and photos.  He has been an avid collector of family mementos over the years.  In his spare time, he also enjoyed watching sports, rearing and collecting classic cars.  He especially enjoyed championing his favorite team, the New Orleans Saints.

Elijah was preceded in death by his parents, Bryant and Ruth Herring; wife, Dorothy J. Herring; brother, Reverend Wallace B. Herring, Sr.; sister, Bonnie Ruth Lawson; daughter Benetta I. Herring; son, Ricky H. Herring, Sr. and granddaughter, Koi J. Herring.

He leaves to honor and cherish his memory, his daughter, Abby G. Willis; sons, Michael B. Herring, Sr., Eli A. Herring all of Macon, Georgia and Steven Herring of New Orleans, Louisiana; brothers, Reverend Moses L. (Florence) Herring of Macon, Georgia, Reverend James R. (Jeanne) Herring, Sr. of Columbus, Georgia and Andrew Dinkins; brothers-in-law, Albert Lawson and Terry (Laverne) Jenkins of Macon, Georgia; sisters-in-law, Lena Herring of Macon, Georgia and Sandra Jenkins (Mack) Bryant of Jeffersonville, Georgia; his fourteen grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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