Eugene “Gene” Erickson, 67, of Elizabethton, passed away on Monday, November 17, 2014, at his residence.
Mr. Erickson was born in Manchester, Conn., a son of the late Victor and Jeannette Zawistowski Erickson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Randall Erickson.
Mr. Erickson had worked at Cressona Aluminum in Elizabethton and as a truck driver at Underwood and Weld in Newland, N.C. He was of the Catholic faith. He enjoyed playing the banjo, building model ships, baseball cards, bluegrass music, old cars, and he loved being with people.
He was a United States Marines veteran, having served from 1965-1975, and was involved in the Vietnam conflict.
Survivors include his wife of 1.5 years, Judy Erickson, of the home; a daughter, Kimberly Nicole Erickson, Elizabethton; two sons, Matthew Erickson and Lizz Welch, Fairfield, Calif., and Bryce Erickson and wife Karen, Hampton; a stepdaughter, Kristi Williams and husband Kenny, Pikeville, Ky.; grandchildren, Cydney Erickson, Bryanna Erickson and Amanda Goodheart; step-grandchildren, Jackson, Harper and Korbyn Grey Williams; two sisters, Peg Hensley and husband Don, Manchester, Conn., and Karin Penny, St. Petersburg, Fla.; a special friend, Larry Veilleux; a niece, Dana Riendeau and husband Craig and their daughter, Ayden; a nephew, Brad Hensley and wife Nancy and their children, Hannah and Robbie; and his canine friend, “Jelly Bean.”
A service to honor the life of Eugene “Gene” Erickson will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday, November 21, in the chapel of Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, with Rev. Charles Biggs officiating. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, November 20, at Tetrick Funeral Home in Elizabethton. The graveside service will be conducted at 1 p.m. Friday, November 21, at Mountain Home National Cemetery. Military Honors will be accorded by the Carter County Honor Guard. Active pallbearers will be Larry Veilleux, Don Hensley, Jackson Williams, Kenny Williams, Jeff Allison, Chuck Mathes and Alex Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, c/o Lou Cooter, 415 Washington Avenue, Elizabethton, TN 37643. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.tetrickfuneralhome.com and signing the guest book.
Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, is serving the Erickson family. Office: (423) 542-2232. Obituary Line: (423) 543-4917.