David Herbert Goerss

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David Herbert Goerss, 82, retired underwriter for CNA Insurance, and resident of Columbia, died Monday, January 27, 2025 at his residence.

A memorial service will be conducted Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at 11:30 AM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home with Clay Gentry officiating. The family will visit with friends on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 from 11:00 AM till the time of service at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorials may be made to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, ASPCA Gift Processing Center: P.O. Box 96929, Washington, DC 20090 or The Nature Conservancy Attn: Treasury, 4245 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22203 USA. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.

David, beloved brother, cousin, uncle, and loyal friend was born on September 12, 1942 in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania. David was the oldest of five children born to Rev. Herbert W. Goerss and Dolores Daeumer Goerss. David grew up in Springfield, Massachusetts and Sanford, Florida where he graduated from High School. He attended college in Bronxville, NY, Fort Wayne, Indiana and Seminary in St. Louis, Mo. For much of his adult life, he lived in Chicago, where he was an underwriter for Northbrook Insurance, the commercial insurance unit of Allstate Insurance, and for CNA Insurance from which he retired in 2006. In 2007 David purchased a retirement home in Columbia, Tennessee, where he lived until his death on January 27th.

David was an avid reader who loved art and filled his home with numerous paintings, graphics, sculptures, and ceramics -- many of which were created by Tennessee artists. David was especially interested in supporting the work of up-and-coming young artists. David was fascinated by cars and car races as well as watching many sports events on TV. David had a big heart and cared greatly for people and for his beloved cats and dogs, some of which he took to special training sessions. David took physical fitness seriously, went regularly to the gym, and worked out with his personal trainer. He was also a committed vegetarian. David attended the Jackson Heights Church of Christ and developed many friends at church and in Columbia and the surrounding art communities. David was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Herbert and Dolores Goerss, and his nephew Mark Goerss. He is survived by his brothers: Rev. Dr. John Goerss and wife Dr. Katherine; Dr. Ronald Goerss and wife Isa; Richard Goerss and wife Marsha; his sister Deborah MacIlroy and husband Bruce; nephew, Alexander Goerss; nieces: Christiana Goerss; Dr. Kelsey MacIlroy and husband John Michael; Meghan MacIlroy; great-nephew Iain MacIlroy; many cousins, and his long-time friend Bobbie Ehren.