Eric William Friedrich

Dr. Eric William Friedrich (Bill), 82, of St. Simons Island, GA, passed away Saturday, June 28, 2025, following an extended illness. Bill was born August 1, 1942, in St. Louis, MO, to William and Agnes Friedrich. He graduated from St. Mary’s High School in St. Louis, St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, TX, and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis in 1967. Following medical school, Bill served as an officer and Flight Surgeon in the United States Air Force and Air Force Reserves until 1977.

Bill began his multi-decade medical career in the Golden Isles of Southeast Georgia in 1974, after falling in love with the area during an unplanned landing that damaged his airplane’s propeller at the St. Simons Island Airport. He never left.

He served on the staff at what is now Southeast Georgia Medical Center and established and operated Friedrich Medical Center and Golden Isles Surgery Center until his first retirement in 2006. Bill then began a second medical career in anti-aging medicine, founding Ultimate Health and Rejuvenation, where he practiced until his final retirement in 2022.

Anyone who met Bill has a story to tell about their encounter. He was often described as an eccentric genius and a renaissance man, with an eclectic range of interests and skills—each pursued with relentless passion. His humor was spontaneous, infectious, and occasionally bawdy.

Bill’s greatest love was his family. He filled their lives with adventure, unconditional support, and a home that was always open to friends. His children carry indelible memories of countless experiences, from spontaneous trips to creative projects shared together. His artistic talent is forever captured in the self-crafted greeting cards he made for birthdays and special occasions.

Bill is survived by his wife, Ann; daughters, Laura Culpepper (husband Rob) of Jacksonville Beach, FL, and Lindsay Friedrich (fiancé Drew Englert) of St. Simons Island; son, Eric Friedrich (husband Justin Hart) of St. Simons Island; five grandchildren, Anneliese, Merritt, and Holland Culpepper, and Hudson and Mason Hart; sister, Anita Blattenberger of St. Louis, MO; and cousins, Fred and Marcia Dittmaier of Apopka, FL.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Patti Walker, who began as a colleague in Bill’s anti-aging practice and became a devoted caregiver and cherished friend to Bill and the family. They also wish to thank hospice nurses Mary Berg, Susan Richards, and Kylee Glasser for their compassionate care, love, and guidance during Bill’s final months.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the charity of your choice.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. William Catholic Church on St. Simons Island, GA. A Celebration of Life will follow immediately at the Alfred W. Jones Historical Center, next to the lighthouse on St. Simons Island.

Never forgotten, forever loved, and eternally at peace. Fly high until we meet again.