Stanley Keith Herrington

Major (Ret.) Stanley “Keith” Herrington, a proud veteran of the United States Air Force and Mississippi Air National Guard, passed away from this life on December 3, 2025 at the age of 53. Born on February 22, 1972, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Keith considered both Hattiesburg and Florence home. He also lived in Madison, Mississippi for many years, as well as Fairfax, Virginia, while he served at the National Guard Bureau in Washington D.C.

Keith joined the United States Air Force when he was 18 years old. He served in the Mississippi Air National Guard for more than 30 years, retiring in August of 2021. He was part of the 172nd Airlift Wing and most recently served as the Logistics Readiness Squadron Commander. One of his proudest military moments was his promotion to the rank of Major and his pinning ceremony held in the Pentagon. During his military career, he received numerous recognitions and awards, including the Joint Services Achievement Medal and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal. He also served our country overseas in a deployment to Kuwait. His military service was a source of great pride for him.

Outside the military, Keith attended the University of Southern Mississippi and received his bachelor’s degree in Electronics Engineering. He worked for Entergy Mississippi for 20+ years before retiring in 2023. Keith loved reminiscing about his childhood and the “good old days”. He enjoyed learning about his family history/genealogy and was also a big American history buff.

Keith was happiest spending time with his family. He was a proud father to his two children, Perry and Lizzie Kate. He loved them deeply and cherished spending time with them more than anything. Keith was an adventurous man and loved the great outdoors. He loved to travel, hike, camp, and enjoy the vast beauty of our great country that he so proudly served.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Lela and Willard Garner, Stanley and Jessie Herrington, Faye Theriot, as well as his nephew, Payton Trichell.

Keith is survived by his children, Perry Herrington and Lizzie Kate Herrington, along with their mother Brandy Black Herrington; his mother and stepfather, Lynda Garner Betts and David Betts, and his father and stepmother, Kent and Ann Herrington; brothers and sisters, Angela Herrington Coker (Aaron), Deana Herrington Trichell (Spencer), Chase Herrington Caban, Anna Betts Pruitt (Matthew), Aaron Betts (Jade) and Derek Betts; step-sister Danele Hardy (Chris) and step-brother Lee Cumberland.

He also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews, Krystalyn Craft (Luke), Emily, Makayla, Addie Jane, Chase, Grayson, Reece, Lottie, Dawsyn, Etta, Kady, Brooke, Ella Marie, Parker, Zane, Brooklyn; two great-nephews, Bradley and Taylor; step-nephews Cody, Jacob, Ben, and step-niece Kalee, as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins that held a special place in his heart.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM at Chancellor Funeral Home in Florence. This will be followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM. Burial with full military honors will take place in the Garden of Honor, immediately following the funeral service.

Flowers are welcome, or for those wishing to make a donation in Keith’s honor, contributions may be made to 5th Squad, a non-profit organization that helps veterans in need. You can do so at www.5thsquad.org