Rev. Earl Dean Kring, 86, of Hartwell, passed away Sunday, May 22, 2022 at Emory Hospital in Atlanta.

Born on January 19, 1936 in Argos, Indiana, he was the son of the late Edward Uriah Kring and Norma Arlene Wilhelm Kring. Rev. Kring received his BA from Indiana Wesleyan University and his Masters in Theology from Emory University. Rev. Kring retired after serving 50 years in both the Wesleyan and United Methodist Church.His pastorates included Mt. Olive, IN, Princeton, IL and Winder, GA Wesleyan Churches. In Georgia his United Methodist Church appointments included: Elizabeth and Shiloh, Hickory Flat, Salem, St. James, St. Paul, Thomson, Jonesboro, Briarcliff, Bethesda, and Cokesbury. His latter years included a very active role in the Hartwell First United Methodist Church where he taught and led the Joyful-Holland Sunday School Class. He also was a Veteran of the US Army Reserves during the Korean War.

He is survived by his wife: Wilma Jean Golden Kring of Hartwell; son: Timothy Dean "Tim" Kring (April) of Sugar Hill, GA; daughter: Melanie Kring McGinnis (Rev. Gil) of Locust Grove, GA; sister: Caryl Lee Deisch of Plymouth, IN; and three grandchildren: Garrett Dean Kring, Timothy Jasper Kring, Padraig Fintan "Finn" McGinnis.

A memorial service celebrating Rev. Dean Kring's life will be held Friday, May 27, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at the Hartwell First United Methodist Church with Dr. R. Allen Stewart and Rev. Gil McGinnis officiating. His urn will be placed in the Northview Cemetery.

A reception will follow the service. Other times the family will be at the home.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, memorials be given to Youth With a Mission, supporting Rev. Kring's niece, a missionary in global ministry, YWAM, 3402 Goose Creek Road, Suite B, Louisville KY 40241, please write in memo line in memory of Rev. Kring. Memorials may also be made to Hartwell First United Methodist Church, 200 East Howell Street, Hartwell, GA 30643.

The Strickland Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Hartwell is in charge of all arrangements.