Herbert Junior Metz

Mr. Herbert Junior Metz of Cumming, Georgia passed away on December 13, 2025. Born on September 28, 1930, in Ellinwood Kansas, Herb lived a life marked by service, dedication, and love for his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Metz, and his four dedicated sons David (Kathy), Mark (Karla), Dale (Lisa) and Scott (Terri) Metz. Herb's legacy also lives on in his five grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

After graduating from Kansas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1952, Herb demonstrated his commitment to serving his country by entering the US Navy via Officer Candidate School. His naval service included duty as a commissioned officer on the navy destroyer USS Waller, which in 1954, was the last US ship to leave Havana, Cuba.

Following his enlistment in the Navy, Herb’s education and experience led him to work at General Electric at its timer manufacturing plant in Morrison, Illinois in 1954. He and Barbara started their family in Morrison and Herb was an active member of the Civitan Club for over 20 years. His career at General Electric included a significant transfer to the electronics plant in Linton, Indiana, in 1972. After more than two decades of exemplary service at General Electric, Herbert accepted an Engineering position on the Physical Plant staff at Indiana University in 1976. He continued to serve the university with his characteristic dedication and professionalism until his retirement in 1995.

In 1998 Herb and Barb moved to Cumming Georgia to be near three of their four sons and three of their grandkids. Here he continued and expanded his love for gardening, antique tractors and working outdoors. He achieved a Master Gardner designation and was an active member of the Forsyth Master Gardener club. Referred to as “a dynamic gardening duo”, Herb & Barb’s extensive garden of vegetables, bulbs, perennials, annuals, shrubs and trees was included in the 2012 Forsyth County Garden Tour. In 2016, Herb and Barb’s day lily garden was on a national tour. He was also an active member of the Allis Chalmers antique tractor group and the Cumming First United Methodist church.

Herbert's life was marked not only by his successful career but also by a warm and loving family life. In 1953, he married Barbara Metz, and together, they built a life filled with love and mutual respect. They were looking forward to celebrating their 73rd wedding anniversary this coming March. His memory will be cherished by his family and all those who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy of hard work, commitment, and love for his family will continue to inspire us all.