Alfred George Hering

There were many facets to this diamond of a man. It’s hard to summarize how his presence brightened the lives of those who knew him, but we will try.

Chip was driven: After graduating from Lehigh University with a degree in Systems Engineering, Chip's career took a significant turn when he chose to serve in the Navy during the Vietnam War. He graduated as an Ensign with the Distinguished Naval Graduate Award and was stationed at Patuxent River Naval Air Station and the US Naval Facility in Barbados, where he earned the Navy Achievement Medal, and at Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, where he instituted engineering systems adopted fleet-wide.

In his post-military career, Chip worked for Luria Brothers and Cardinal American Corp., where he rose to Vice President and General Manager. At Luria, he invented the Clip Press, a patented machine that revolutionized the scrap metal industry. Chip continued his trail of innovation at Zalev Brothers and later Soave Company, where he developed unique scrap bidding processes and equipment designs that benefited major automotive companies. He culminated his career by working on an innovative pipe-lining process until his retirement at age 73, having mentored dozens of colleagues and clients in his industry.

After retiring, Chip stayed active in his community of Boiling Springs Lakes, North Carolina. He was a charter member of the No Port, Southport campaign to preserve Southport's natural waterfront and water system. He served on the Planning Board of the City of Boiling Springs Lakes and was a Southeastern North Carolina SeaBee Veterans member.

Chip was clever, curious, and creative: Whether it was about the specific details of how any machine operates, the best claw-hand technique for banjo playing, how to build and set fire to a mini-long ship for a Viking funeral, or how to captain a 50-foot sailboat for a journey through Caribbean islands, Chip never stopped learning and never ran out of fascinating things to talk about. He drew beautiful portraits and made statues of his children. His powerful tenor voice and guitar playing enriched nearly every family gathering, inspiring many family members to take up an instrument (a lifelong passion for many of us). He wrote songs and poems for his wife, children, and grandchildren. He was King of the Treasure Hunt, leading his children and grandchildren into ridiculously fun hijinks and puzzles, the highlight of Christmas gift exchanges. He made funny videos of our time together. His home was full of instruments, games, and music–a creative cacophony of joy that drew everybody in and together time and again.

Chip was hilarious: He never ran out of jokes. He didn’t take himself too seriously and invited others to do the same. His practical jokes were legendary. His laugh was LOUD and infectious. His many ridiculous attempts to cheat at cards made games more fun. Creating fun for everyone was his greatest joy. Even in his last days, he tried his best to make us laugh about the absurd challenges he faced just getting around and comfortable.

Most of all, he deeply loved his family and friends and was deeply loved in return. He carried us through heartbreaks and setbacks, and when we disappointed him, he loved us more than he judged us. He leaves behind his loving wife, Shirl; his children, Karl Hering, Kevin Hering, and Ruth Kristen Milhollin; his brother, Mark Hering, and sister, Jan Bell; daughter-in-law, Beth Hering, and son-in-law, Elliott Milhollin; his eight grandchildren; a great-granddaughter; and many people who felt like his adopted children and grandchildren.

The best gift to honor Chip's life would be your memories of him and with him on this webpage—especially the funny ones. Please feel free to contribute pictures, stories, jokes you may share, pranks he played—anything and everything you remember is welcome. These fond memories are a gift to all who miss him, and we will enjoy retelling them at his Viking funeral when his beloved lake returns next year.

Online condolences may be made at www.peacocknewnamwhite.com.

Peacock - Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service, Southport, North Carolina.