David Gregory "Junior" Herring

Newton Grove 

Mr. David Gregory “Junior” Herring, 90, of 132 Creekside Drive, passed away peacefully early Saturday morning, September 21, 2024, at Sampson Regional Medical Center.  

Born on February 11, 1934, Junior was the son of the late David Philemon “D.P.” Herring and Mary Elizabeth Gregory Herring. He was one of eleven children and grew up on a farm in Newton Grove. Growing up, he was always very close to his family, especially his parents, brothers, and sisters. He was very family-oriented as a child, and that trait resonated with him throughout his life. Junior attended and graduated from Newton Grove School. He was known for his mathematical skills in school, and throughout his life. He was also on the High School Basketball team. His life skills, intelligence, determination, and pure grit as an adolescent helped him become the businessman he was.  After graduation, Junior joined the United States Army and was stationed in Hawaii. After serving his country, and returning home to Newton Grove, Junior met the love of his life, Jane Hobbs, and they were married in June 1960.  He was glad to be back home near his family in Newton Grove, starting one of his own, with his wife and their two sons, Ricky and Alan. In his early years, Junior was part-owner of a family-owned business with his brothers, known as Newton Grove Grain & Feed. After this business venture, Junior continued in the hog industry with his sons, owning D.G. Herring Swine and Coastal Plain Farms. He has always been a loving family man, a hard-working businessman, and kept the attitude to never, ever give up. And, that, he never did.  

One of Junior’s favorite things to do was traveling and flying with his son, Alan. And they went as much as possible, back when they were in business together.  Their last flight together was on his 88th birthday, along with his grandson, Gregory, as other family members were waiting down at the tarmac to surprise him.  It was a very special day!   Anyone who knew Junior, knew he loved to cook a pig, having pig pickins for family and friends meant the world to him. Another favorite hobby of Junior’s was flounder gigging at Topsail Island and Sneads Ferry, which he did every season, while his health allowed. Flounder season was his favorite season; And any season or holiday where people would come to visit him. He loved everyone – whether they be family, a co-worker/employee, neighbor, or friend. Mr. Junior was patient, and kind. He would give advice and guide you, but not judge you, and always welcome you with open arms. His smile, and those eyes of his, would light up the room. The only other love of Mr. Junior’s was that of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They were his world. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him because to know him – was to love him.  

He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his devoted wife of 64 years, Jane Hobbs Herring of the home; two sons: Ricky Lee Herring and Alan Gregory Herring, both of Newton Grove; a special niece, Melissa Buckner Wayne (Greg), who was more like a daughter to him; siblings: William Thomas “Billy” Herring, Gayle H. Warren, Mary Porter and husband, Nelson, Joanne H. Askew, Gary Herring and wife, Lydia and Barbara Herring. He also leaves behind five grandchildren: Calan Faulkner (Jeremy), Anna Byrd (Cameron), Alan “Gregory” Herring, II (Kristen), Johnnie K. Herring (Casey), and Lexie Grace Herring; six great-grandchildren: Kallie Brooke and Jaxson Blake Herring, David “Lane” and Mills Faulkner, Lincoln Rhett Herring and Frances Jane Byrd; sister-in-law, Patty Herring, sister-in-law, Ann Herring, sister-in-law, Lynette Hobbs Harrell and husband, Robert, as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Junior was preceded in death by three brothers: James “Grady” Herring, Michael “Albert” Herring, and Charles DeLeon Herring; sister-in-law, Magdalene Herring; and brother-in-law, Durwood Askew.

His wife, Jane was the caregiver to Junior for over 10 years and refused to ever put him in a nursing home, which showed great love and devotion, and the entire family is grateful. The family would also like to extend their appreciation to the local EMS and first responders who have helped on several occasions when called upon to help with Mr. Junior. They would also like to thank many friends who have come to sit with him or also help when needed because if not for you, we would not have been able to enjoy him at home like we were able to. So thank you all for being a blessing to our family! 

Royal-Hall of Clinton is honored to serve the Herring Family.