Andrew "Andy" Herbert

Andrew McGee Herbert, 86, of Biloxi, passed away Sunday, September 26, 2010.
Like one of his favorite books, The Road Less Traveled, Mr. Herbert lived an intentional life full of purpose and joy for 86 years.
Andy was born in Pelzer, SC. He attended Clemson University until he enlisted in the Air Force in his sophomore year. Mr. Herbert served his country as a tail gunner, bombardier, and a navigator on B-17 bombers. Over Hamburg, Germany on December 31, 1944, Andy's plane was shot down on his 14th mission. He was held captive for over six months until General Patton's Unit liberated the camp at the end of the war. Andy resumed his education at Clemson and graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was then commissioned into the Air Force and recalled as and Electronics Counter-Measures Officer. He was discharged in 1954. Andy also earned a Masters Degree in Education from the University of Southern Mississippi. His professional career involved teaching electronics at Keesler Air Force base in Mississippi in the technical training center where he eventually retired.
Andy's appreciation for tools and all thing mechanical began at an early age under the influence of his father's work as an Engineer in many mills and factories in South Carolina.
Religious education was also very important to Mr. Herbert. He studied the word of the Lord and was a lifelong seeker. Andy graduated in the Inaugural class of Education for Ministry course at the University of South in Sewanee, TN. Andy was dedicated to his church, St. Peter's By the Sea Episcopal in Gulfport, where he was a longtime member. Andy was honored to serve as a Lay Reader and Deputy at the national Episcopal General Convention.
Andy is preceded in death by his parents, Andrew McGee Herbert, Sr. and Katherine Thompson Herbert of Pilzer, SC; a sister, Laurie May Herbert of Wilmington, NC; and first wife, Addie Christine Smith Herbert.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Wendell (Wendy) H. Herbert of Biloxi. He also leaves behind two sisters, Mary Eloise Herbert of Decatur, GA, and Christine Thompson Herbert of Falls Church, VA. Other relatives include brother-in-law, Colonel Robert Raymond of Falls Church, VA; a nephew, Robert A. Raymond and his wife Cleta and their children, Robert and Andrew Raymond; and a niece Barbara Raymond of Vienna, VA.
Andy was a caring and generous stepfather to Beverly and James Bauman of Oak Ridge, TN, Jennifer and Bruce Mullin of Huntsville, AL, and Doug and Vicki Martin of Stow, OH. He was always interested in the lives of his Grandchildren Chris, Michelle and Lauren Bauman, Meredith and Sam Mullin, Cory, Molly, and Bobby Martin.
A celebration of life service will be held at 6:00 PM on October 29, 2010, at St. Peter's By the Sea Episcopal Church. Visitation with family begins at 5:00 PM. The family request that any donations be designated for St. Peter's By the Sea, 1909 15th St., Gulfport, MS 39501.
The family would like to thank Dr. Hans Adams, Dr. Ronald Brown, Dr. Jay Libys, Dr. Lee Boulters and their exceptional staff, the Veterans Administration of Biloxi and POW Division in Jackson, MS; Oxford Home Health providers especially Olivia Keys and Pam Horne for their kindness and loving care. Finally we would like to thank the staff and parish of St. Peters by the Sea Episcopal Church for their continuous love and support.
RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, Biloxi, assisted the family with arrangements.