April 17, 2026, 79, Dunn – Gail Herring Denning, 79, entered into eternal rest surrounded by her family on Friday, April 17, 2026 at Johnston UNC Healthcare in Smithfield, where she was joyfully reunited with her beloved husband, Billy Carl Denning. Born in Sampson County on May 7, 1946, she was daughter to the late Dalton Herring and Estelle Williford Herring.
Gail was born and raised on a farm where her parents taught her the critical traditional core values of God first, family second and the importance of a strong work ethic.
Upon graduation from high school, Gail worked at South River Electrical Membership Cooperative for 42 years. She started as a cashier and worked her way up through multiple promotions to manager of customer service. She was valued for her ability to problem solve any situation with compassion, patience and the utmost professionalism for which she always dressed the part.
Gail held a deep appreciation for the Christmas season, cherishing its traditions and the joy it brought to others. She found particular fulfillment in preparing homemade Christmas confections for shut-ins, a reflection of her kindness and generous spirit.
Gail also possessed a profound love for travel and embraced every opportunity to explore new places, meet new people, and experience the richness and beauty of the world. Whether near or far, her journeys brought her great joy and lasting memories that she treasured throughout her life.
A woman of steadfast faith, Gail was a devoted lifetime member of Maple Grove Methodist Church. Her church was not only a place of worship, but a cornerstone of her life, where she found fellowship, strength, and purpose. She remained a faithful and active presence within her church family, embodying a spirit of service, compassion, and dedication that touched the lives of many.
Gail is survived by her daughter, Susanne Denning; her grand-dog, Henry Knox Denning; her nieces, Bonnie Wise and husband, Chris, Savannah Mozingo and husband, Ben, and Summer Gray and husband, Daniel; nephews, Andy Herring and wife Joy, Kacy Denning, Will King and wife Allison, and Brian King; great nieces, Britt Wise, Hayden Herring, Zoey Denning, and Maddie King; great nephews, Luke Wise, and Garrett Herring; her sister-in-laws, Joyce Herring, Sue Denning, Barbara Denning and Linda Denning; her brother-in-laws, Lee Denning, and Jesse Denning; and her lifetime best friend, Linda Jackson.
In addition to her parents, Gail was preceded in death by her sister, Jana Herring Blackman, her brother, Garrett Herring, sister-in-law, Dianne Denning, brother-in-law, Wayne Denning; and her grand-dog, Henry Jack Denning.
The family will receive friends for a time of visitation on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Maple Grove Methodist Church. A service to honor Gail’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. in the sanctuary with Rev. Chris Leak officiating. Gail will be laid to rest alongside her husband in the church cemetery.
Flowers are welcome, or memorial contributions may be made in Gail’s memory to Maple Grove Methodist Church, 784 Maple Grove Church Rd, Dunn, NC 28334.
The family is in the care of Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service.
