Dr. Robert Lee Goring, DVM, age 78, of Newberry, Florida, passed away unexpectedly on July 25, 2026, at Young State Park Campground in Boyne City, Michigan.
Born on April 4, 1948, in Detroit, Michigan, he was the son of Robert H. and Veronica (Arasin) Goring. He grew up in Huntington Woods, Michigan and attended Michigan State University where he earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1977. Dr. Goring completed his residency at the University of Florida in 1983, becoming a board-certified veterinary surgeon. He served on the faculty of the University of Florida Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences from 1983 to 1991, where he became widely respected as an exceptional teacher and mentor. During those formative years, he helped train generations of surgical residents and interns, instilling in them not only technical excellence but also humility, integrity, and compassion.
Recognizing the growing demand for advanced veterinary surgical care, Dr. Goring established the first private-practice veterinary surgical internship program within his first hospital, Affiliated Veterinary Specialists, in Winter Park, Florida, and later expanded AVS to Orange Park, FL and finally the south-side of Jacksonville, FL. Through his vision, leadership, and expertise, Dr. Goring helped set the model for advanced veterinary surgical care access in Florida.
Outside of his profession, Rob was a man of many interests and was always finding something new to learn and enjoy. He was an avid nature enthusiast who was passionate about wildlife preservation and found profound joy in the outdoors, especially at his farm. He was also a passionate and accomplished athlete throughout his life, participating in numerous marathons, triathlons, and cycling events. Later in life, he discovered the Single Action Shooting Society (SASS), where he and his wife, Judy, attended many events and formed wonderful friendships with other participants.
At the heart of Rob’s life was his steadfast devotion to his wife, Judy, with whom he built a beautiful life over 37 years. Together, they shared countless adventures and spent much of those years side by side, building their business and raising their daughter. Even after retirement, he never wanted to be away from Judy for long. His devotion to her and to their family left a lasting impression on everyone who knew them.
Rob is survived by his wife, Judy; their daughter, Mallory Davis, and her husband, Brad; and his grandchildren, Joslyn Rose Davis and John Robert Davis. He is also survived by his sister, Marlene Hubbard, of Chelsea, Michigan; his brother, Brian Goring (Janet), of Dumaguete, Philippines; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, who loved him dearly and will cherish his memory forever.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Sharon Shpakow; his brother-in-law, Robert Hubbard; and his faithful canine companion, Rip.
Those who knew Rob will remember his quiet strength, his generosity, his deep respect for the human-animal bond and his unwavering commitment to do what was right. His compassion, wisdom, and example will continue to inspire generations of veterinarians and all those who knew him. He will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and forever honored by the people he taught, mentored, and encouraged to become the very best version of themselves. May his memory be a blessing, and may his legacy live on through all those who were privileged to know him.
To honor his memory, three of the veterinarians he mentored have established the “Robert L. Goring, DVM Angel Memorial Fund” at their respective hospitals. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating towards one of these Angel Funds in his memory. The funds will continue his legacy by helping families access affordable specialty veterinary care for their beloved pets, a cause that was always close to his heart.
The memorial accounts are at the following hospitals, and you may contact them directly:
Jacksonville Veterinary Surgery and Orthopedics (904) 994-4690
Capital Veterinary Specialists, Tallahassee (850) 597-9764
Sixth Street Veterinary Hospital (904) 259-2200
Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, MI.
