Matthew Jeffrey Doering, 56, passed away at his home in Brunswick, Georgia on September 4, 2018 after a courageous 3-month battle with pancreatic cancer. He is survived by his wife Michelle; a daughter, Miriam; a son, Ian; sister, Diane Black; brother, John J Doering, Jr.; sister, Barbara Black; brother, Louis Doering; brother, Doug Doering; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brothers Raymond and Paul Doering, and a sister, Annette Tate.
He was born March 25, 1962 in Watsonville and was one of nine children born to the late John Joseph Doering, Sr. and Marian Elizabeth Doering. He treasured his childhood time growing up on his family’s apple farm. He attended Watsonville High School and Palma High School in Salinas. At the age of 17 he enlisted in the U.S. Army and after serving 3 years active duty as military police at Ft. DeRussy, Hawaii, he moved to St. Simons Island, Georgia. In 1984 he began his career there with the Glynn County Police Department. During his tenure he earned his A.S. in Criminal Justice at Brunswick Junior College, B.S. in Criminal Justice from Armstrong State College, and M.P.A. from Georgia Southern University. He was also a graduate of the F.B.I. National Academy, 179th Session. In December of 2003, he was appointed Chief of Police of the Glynn County Police Department and served until his retirement in October of 2017. His heart was that of a servant to the community and he continually sought to improve law enforcement operations, educate the public about the laws, and foster a good relationship between law enforcement and the community. His most recent position was as a Glynn County School Resource Officer where he enjoyed his time working with children, including his own 8th grade twins.
He was an Asst. Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 204, a member of the Brunswick Exchange Club, Rotary Club, and American Legion – Post 9.
A funeral service with full military honors was held at the Northside Baptist Church in Brunswick on September 8 followed by the burial in Hazlehurst, Georgia. Honorary pallbearers included the combined Glynn County Police Department and Glynn County School Police honor guard, law enforcement, first responders, and Boy Scout Troop 204.
Brunswick Memorial Park Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. (www.brunswickmemorialpark.com)
