On March 1, 2021, Herschel Leverne Paulk, Sr, 86, devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and uncle, passed away peacefully from an extended illness at his home in Guyton, Georgia, with his family surrounding him.

Herschel was born October 27, 1934, in Ocilla, Georgia, to the late Warren Waldo Paulk, Sr, and  Ruby Ross Paulk. He was a 1951 graduate of Ocilla High School and 1955 of University of Georgia.  He was a U.S. Army Veteran.

Herschel is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Gail McCormick Paulk; Children: Gena (Greg) Tyler of Hoschton, GA, Kimberly (Thomas) Healey of Newport, NC, and Herschel "Schel" (Terri) Paulk, Jr, of Guyton, GA; Grandchildren: Jordan (Caitlin), Caleb, and Sydney Tyler; Alexis, Lanie, and Victoria Healey; Danielle (Timothy) Peavy, Scheldon (Harly), Adrianna, Shawn, Melissa, Darcey, Shane, Stacey, and Abigail Paulk; Great Grandchildren: Hannah and Bryson Peavy; and Brother, Warren (Ellen) Paulk, Jr.

Herschel was a Soil Scientist with the US Soil Conservation Service for 30 years and also owned Paulk Soil and Wetland Services for 25 years. He completed soil surveys on over a million acres of land throughout his career and authored many soil survey books of counties in Georgia. Well respected among his peers, he was past President of the National Society of Consulting Soil Scientists and member of the Soil Science Society of Georgia.

Herschel was also an active member of his church, New Providence Baptist of Guyton, where he served as a Deacon and a Sunday School teacher. He was a member of Effingham Industrial Authority and a former Chairman of Effingham Hospital Authority.

An outdoor visitation will be held Wednesday, March 3, 6-8:00 pm, and funeral Thursday at noon, both at New Providence Baptist Church, Guyton. Masks and social distancing are appreciated. Graveside services will follow at Guyton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to New Providence Baptist Church Mission's Fund ( www.desiretruth.com or PO Box 98, Guyton, GA 31312).

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home, Effingham Chapel. 754-6421