Duane Merwin Erickson

Duane Merwin Erickson, of Athens, GA, went peacefully home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, July 10, 2022, surrounded by his family and loved ones. Duane, affectionately known as Sam in his early years, and Doc in his later years, was born on March 14, 1927, in a farm house outside of Waterloo, Iowa. He grew up in Fairfield, Iowa, with his three sisters and parents.

Duane was a student at heart and a lifelong learner. He had many degrees and accomplishments, including being a veteran of the National Guard and earning a Doctorate of Dentistry and Masters in Orthodontics. Duane met the love of his life, Shirley Wirds, at the University of Iowa where they began their adventure together. To teach and attend school, he and Shirley moved all over the country having fun and gathering friends along the way. Duane and Shirley settled in Athens, GA where they enjoyed 62 years together, raising children, practicing orthodontics, and forming many great friendships through the years. He loved being an orthodontist straightening the teeth of thousands of people and spent many years helping kids with cleft palate problems. Even more than his work, Duane loved playing golf, and enjoyed many fine rounds with Shirley, his children, and his friends. He and Shirley both became pilots, and enjoyed flying together on many trips. Duane loved singing with his church choir and multiple barbershop quartets, playing tennis and poker with his buddies, and watching the Atlanta Braves and the University of Georgia Bulldogs. An avid Bulldog fan, he loved spectating any and all UGA athletics. Duane was known for carrying a corn cob pipe, a pitch pipe, and a favorite coin everywhere he went.

Duane will be remembered most for his love of God and devotion to his bride, Shirley, who he adored, his family, and the many cherished friends he made in his lifetime.

Duane had a great smile, and a witty sense of humor. He was a devoted family man, and a hard worker. There was never a job he couldn’t figure out some way to tackle. He had a knack for remembering details and loved to swap stories about any topic under the sun. Duane never met a stranger.

Duane is predeceased by his beloved wife, Shirley, and his first born son, Jon Erickson (Jan). After their deaths, Duane waited patiently on the Lord for his turn, enjoying visits from many fine friends and family. Duane is survived by his cherished family: Children: Scott Erickson, Kristi Harrison (Ron), Angie McCarthy (Mike), and Jay Erickson (Brandi); Grandchildren: JBrandon Erickson (Anzlee), Adam Erickson, Kevin Erickson, Ridge Harrison, Nick Harrison, Case Harrison, Erica McCarthy, Paige McCarthy, Rebecca McCarthy, T.J. Erickson, Sam Erickson, and Luke Erickson; Great granddaughter: Roxanne Erickson; Sister: Gayle Moore; and many adoring nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, August 7, 2022 at 2:00 pm, at Chapelwood United Methodist Church, followed by family visitation and reception in the Fellowship Hall. Reverend Kathy Lamon is officiating.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Boy Scout Troop 158, PO Box 7787, Athens GA 30604 or Chapelwood UMC, 100 Janice Drive, Athens, GA 30606.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Bernstein Funeral Home. Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.Bernsteinfuneralhome.com.