A Tribute to My Father

Honoring the Life of A. William (Bill) Erickson

The Obituary

Born in Cadogan, PA, on March 16, 1933, son of Alvin William Erickson, Sr., and Frances Best, Alvin William Erickson passed away on May 5, 2008, at the age of 75.  He is survived by his two sons, Daniel D. Erickson, of Nashville, TN, and William Andrew Erickson, of Memphis, TN.  He also leaves a brother, David C. Erickson, of Brentwood, TN, as well as four grandsons.  The life of A. W. (Bill) Erickson was spent almost exclusively in the service of others.  From his days in the Marine Corp, to the many churches he pastored, the unnumbered revival services held around the country during his fifty years of ministry, and the treatment centers where he shared his life experiences, he was always and primarily concerned with the spiritual health of those around him.  The family is comforted in this time of loss by the unwavering certainty that he is in the presence of his Savior.  He was much loved during life and will be sorely missed after his death but he is where he has longed to be – with Jesus.

3 Comments »

  1. Danny and Andy,

    Wanted to send my thoughts to you on the loss of your Dad. Butch, Jodi and I know too well the sadness of saying Goodbye to a Dad sooner than we want. I have to smile though, because just a couple of weeks ago I had to opportunity to deal with a particulary difficult patient, who just happened to be named.. Mrs. Cotton…and I so vividly remember a particular sermon of your Dad’s that spoke of a Mrs. Cotton…and how we all have “Mrs. Cottons” in our life, but must still care for these folks with the heart of Christ. He did make quite an impression on me, as did your Mom. I am very impressed with the warm tribute that you have made for him here…and am sure that he is smiling as well…(and probably doing so as he and Rev. Rick are playing heaven’s back 9!) May your memories of your Dad and the lives he touched keep him close to you and your families

    Comment by Jami Withrow | June 17, 2008 | Reply

  2. Hi Danny and Andy,

    So sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. You probably won’t remember us at first, but we were at Roanoke Hollins when Rev. Blackmon was our pastor.

    We became very close to your family during his illness and even shared time in our home with you.

    So sorry to hear of your Mom’s illness. My heart goes out to you as I lost my Mom with the same illness. She didn’t know us the last several months of her life.

    We are now living in LaVergne, TN. as our son, Mike and his family are in Smyrna, TN. Tim and his family are in Mount Vernon, Ohio.

    It would be great if we could see each other since we are living so close. Again our thoughts and prayers are with you and we send our love.

    Comment by Nick and Dellaphene Eades | August 14, 2008 | Reply

  3. I loved Bill and Gwen when they were at Roanoke First Church. I went to Danville to see them when they were in Danville and talked on the phone with Bill a long while when we were visiting Beverly in Nashville. We also talked and got the news letter when Bill was in Virginia Beach.
    Blessings to you. We are sorry for your loss so close to-gether. Freddie and Bill Dalton

    Comment by Freddie Dalton | April 18, 2009 | Reply


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