Gary C. Hershberger

Gary C. Hershberger, 92, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2026. He was born on August 8, 1934, in Durham County, North Carolina.

Gary dedicated much of his life to serving his family, his country, and his fellow veterans. He proudly served in the United States Navy and was attached to the 1st Marine Division as a Navy Medic during the Korean War. Gary was stationed in South Korea when the Armistice between North and South Korea was signed in 1953, marking the end of active fighting in the Korean War.

During his service, Gary carried an M1 rifle and was part of a team responsible for searching for mines and remnants left behind by the long and brutal war. His duties also included serving on guard duty near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the heavily fortified border separating North and South Korea. These experiences were a significant part of Gary's life and reflected the courage, dedication, and commitment with which he served his country.

Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, Gary began his civilian career at Shakespeare, where he worked for two and a half years. He then went to work for Allied as a calibration specialist, where he dedicated 33 and a half years of hard work and service before happily retiring. His strong work ethic and commitment to providing for his family were hallmarks of his life.

Gary's dedication to his fellow veterans did not end when his military service was over. He was a longtime member of VFW Post 641, where he devoted countless years to serving veterans and the community. He proudly served as Commander of the post for three and a half years. As Commander, Gary accepted the many responsibilities associated with leading a large nonprofit organization dedicated to veterans and community service. He devoted countless hours to the post and the people it served, carrying out his responsibilities with dedication and a genuine commitment to helping others. During his years of involvement, VFW Post 641 became one of the most successful VFW posts in the state of South Carolina.

When VFW Post 641 eventually closed, Gary continued his commitment to his fellow veterans by becoming a member of Lake Murray VFW Post 6740. His years of military service and dedication to veterans were recognized in meaningful ways, including being honored with a Quilt of Valor and being recognized at Mission BBQ in Harbison for his service in Korea.

While Gary was proud of his military service and the many years he devoted to serving veterans and his community, his greatest pride was his family. He was immensely proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was dedicated to loving and providing for his family and could always be counted on to be there when they needed him. No matter the circumstances, Gary never missed a beat when it came to making sure his family was cared for and supported.

His love and compassion for others could be seen in every area of his life. Whether serving his country, helping a fellow veteran, giving his time to his community, or caring for his family, Gary had a heart for people and a willingness to give of himself. Those who knew him will remember not only what he accomplished, but the love, kindness, and compassion he showed along the way.

Gary was preceded in death by his beloved first wife, Geneva Hershberger, with whom he shared 39 years of marriage, and his second wife, Aretta Benfield Godby Hershberger, with whom he shared 12 years of marriage. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Basil Lee and Dolly Hershberger, and his siblings, Connie Cavanaugh, Patsy Jackson, and Jimmy Seletos.

Gary is survived by his children, Sheryl Wood; Roxanne Jeffcoat (Alvin); Vernon Hershberger (Barbara); and Robin Jenkins.

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Shawn Brown (Meagan), Bryan Brown, Crystal Torres (Brandon), Jessica Sowell (Boyd), Miranda Jenkins, Ryan Dohrn (Jennifer), Brandon Hershberger (fiancée Mallory Ford), Nicole Hershberger, Brent Jeffcoat (Jennifer), and Jared Jeffcoat.

His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren, Tyler Torres (Breeana), Brianna Torres, Madison Brown, Zachary Jenkins, Baylee Brown, Layla Brown, Austin Brown, Kalyanna Bertram, Brady Jeffcoat, Grayson Jeffcoat, Jeremiah Jeffcoat, and Jackson Jeffcoat.

Throughout his 92 years, Gary lived a life marked by service, hard work, perseverance, love, and compassion. From serving as a Navy Medic during the Korean War, to spending decades serving veterans through the VFW, to building a long career before retirement, and most importantly, to loving and providing for his family, Gary leaves behind a legacy that reaches far beyond his years.

His family will remember a man who showed up, who provided, who served, and who loved deeply. His presence in their lives was steady and dependable, and his compassion touched far more people than he may have ever realized. The lessons he taught, the lives he touched, and the love he gave will continue through the generations of family he leaves behind.

A Special Thank You

The family would also like to express their deepest gratitude to the organizations and individuals who cared for Gary and became an important part of his life.

To the loving staff at Lakeside Place Senior Living: We are forever grateful for the love, kindness, and care you provided to our loved one over the past five years. You were not simply a place of care; you became a part of our extended family. Your compassion, patience, and presence meant more to our family than words can express.

To MSA Hospice Care: We cannot thank you enough for the care, compassion, and dedication you showed our loved one during the final week of his life. Your love and presence brought comfort during an incredibly difficult time, and we will forever be grateful for the dignity and tenderness you gave to Gary and our family.

To Lake Murray VFW Post 6740: Thank you for the friendship, fellowship, honorable memories, and commitment you gave to Gary. The friendships he formed and the respect and camaraderie you shared with him meant so much to him and to our family. Those friendships and memories will not be forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to Lake Murray VFW Post 6740 in Gary's memory, in support of the veterans and community he cared so deeply about.

Services

Saturday, October 10, 2026

Visitation: 10:00–11:00 a.m. Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m.

Thompson Funeral Home 845 Leesburg Road Columbia, SC 29209

A graveside service will immediately follow at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens.

While we are deeply saddened that Gary is no longer with us, we find comfort and peace in knowing that his earthly journey is complete and that he is now with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We hold onto the promise of our faith and look forward to the day when we will be reunited with him. Until then, his memory will remain in our hearts, his legacy will live on through his family, and the love he gave us will continue from generation to generation.

Rest easy, Gary. Your service is complete. Fair winds and following seas.